Class Code: PP107
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Paralegal II 

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under direction, a Paralegal II performs advanced and specialized legal, technical work for the Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, and  Department Managers by assisting with complex functions while also providing advanced support for litigation and related legal matters; assists with administering workers’ compensation, employee leaves; assists General Counsel in preparing for litigation by performing legal research, interviewing witnesses and preparing legal documents, and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Paralegal II is the advanced level class in the series. An incumbent in this class performs advanced and specialized technical legal activities requiring knowledge of complex functions, policies and procedures as well as general paralegal processes. This class is distinguished from the lower level class of Paralegal I because an incumbent in the latter class performs journey-level paralegal work. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Reviews, tracks, and monitors employee leaves, workers compensation documentation; drafts correspondence and prepares reports and documentation for employee leaves. 
  • Assists and acts as liaison in monitoring workers’ compensation cases from inception to final disposition. 
  • Tracks and maintains union contracts, management compensation plan changes, and side agreement.
  • May assist in tracking and processing employee COBRA eligibility.
  • Administers Santa Cruz METRO’s Lactation Accommodation Program. 
  • Processes records requests according to the California Public Records Act; responds to Title II/Title VI/ADA/504 complaints; communicates and coordinates legal inquiries and document subpoenas. 
  • Drafts and files complex legal documents; confer with the CEO, General Counsel, and Department Managers regarding legal matters; researches, and studies, statutes, case law, legislation, and other legal authorities 
  • Assists with legal matters related to CalTIP claims and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
  • May assist with preparing departmental budgets; may assist in maintaining information in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).  
  • Prepares training materials and presentations to management; prepares staff reports for board meetings and drafts resolutions.
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes standard business computer software in performing job tasks.
  • May utilize specialized Santa Cruz METRO software.
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research. 
  • Federal and State leave related regulations, including FMLA/CFRA/PDL.
  • General laws, regulations, procedures, and practices pertaining to workers’ compensation claims processing as well as other specialized human resources activities.
  • Clerical processes pertaining to accounting, purchasing, and data maintenance.
  • Statutes and codes applicable to civil proceedings and claims. 
  • Legal document formats and filing procedures. 
  • Hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Preparation of routine procedural and substantive civil litigation.
  • Applicable court rules, including drafting and responding to pleadings.
  • Pleading formats, citation style, content requirements, and local filing requirements.
  • Civil litigation calendar management.
  • Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
  • Business correspondence, formatting, and report writing.
  • Methods of maintaining information in electronic or hard copy files.
  • Technical methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting information.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
  • Time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  •  Advanced mathematics, including percentages and advanced statistics
  • Telephone techniques and etiquette.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Draft legal documents, including complex briefs, memos, ordinances, and resolutions.
  • Research, analyze, and apply complex legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal issues.
  • Communicate and present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly, logically, and effectively.
  • Interview and interact with the public, outside attorneys, and Santa Cruz METRO employees regarding discovery, case investigation, and trial preparation.
  • Interpret, explain, and apply legal policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Gather, analyze, and summarize complex information presented in a variety of formats.
  • Maintain confidentiality of materials, records, files, and other privileged information.
  • Develop and maintain records and control systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Input data into a database.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
  • Work independently using good judgment, tact, and discretion.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and a certificate in Paralegal Studies.

AND

 Four (4) years of legal experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or legal secretary.  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard. Work often requires stooping at the waist and the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects. Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate. 

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality of work-related information. 

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Legal Technical

*Job Series: Paralegal

*Job Series Level: Advanced

*Confidential: Yes