Administrative Assistant - Columbia Children's Defense Team

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

The Missouri State Public Defender is an agency dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney in criminal cases, including children. We are committed to upholding the constitutional right to counsel and ensuring fair and just legal proceedings for all citizens, including children.

We are seeking a motivated and organized individual to join the Columbia Children’s Defense Team as an Administrative Assistant. This position provides foundational administrative and clerical support to attorneys and staff who represent children in juvenile and criminal proceedings. The successful candidate will help coordinate the day-to-day operations of the office and ensure attorneys and staff have the administrative support necessary to effectively serve their clients.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

1. Provide clerical and administrative support to attorneys and staff of the Children’s Defense Team.
2. Assist with scheduling and coordination of meetings, court dates, appointments, and other office activities.
3. Maintain organized records, files, and retention systems in accordance with MSPD procedures.
4. Assist with opening, closing, and maintaining case-related files and records.
5. Communicate professionally with courts, clients and their families, vendors, outside agencies, and other members of the legal system.
6. Assist with preparation of reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, forms, and other administrative documents.
7. Coordinate office purchasing, including ordering supplies and tracking inventory and office needs.
8. Assist with tracking budget and expenditure information and processing invoices.
9. Coordinate office equipment maintenance and other operational needs.
10. Utilize MSPD case management, administrative, and office systems to maintain accurate and timely information.
11. Provide administrative assistance to the District Defender and other members of the Children’s Defense Team as needed.
12. Handle confidential information relating to children, families, clients, cases, and agency operations with discretion and sound judgment.
13. Collaborate with attorneys, staff, and colleagues throughout the Missouri State Public Defender System.
14. Provide courteous, professional, and helpful service while representing the mission and values of MSPD.
15. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications - All you need for success

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and filing systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally while maintaining effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, courts, clients and their families, vendors, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to utilize office software, technology, and computer systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and timely.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity when working with children, families, and individuals involved in the legal system.

Required Minimum Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent is required; and, four years of progressively responsible clerical, office support, administrative, or legal support experience.

Earned credit hours from an accredited college, university, business school, or vocational school may substitute for the required experience.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

This is a full-time position based in Columbia. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/  Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants 

The salary listed reflects the base pay rate.  Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

[email protected]

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.