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DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:

     This part-time position is responsible for performing legal secretarial duties requiring both sound judgment and good technical skills.  These duties may include, but are not limited to, transcribing, preparing, processing, and e-filing pleadings/briefs in the various state and federal courts; preparing and processing correspondence, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, City Council memoranda, and other legal documents and instruments; maintaining calendars for attorneys; answering telephones and contacting other offices to provide, obtain, and/or coordinate information and/or appearances; and performing office filing; as well as organizing and maintaining a wide variety of information and materials in support of attorneys.  The skill level of this position places strong emphasis on accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.  A strong knowledge base of legal procedures and court rules (federal and state) is desirable.  This position involves a variety of legal matters including civil litigation, workers' compensation, and all aspects of municipal law.  Incumbent must be proficient in the use of personal computers and able to work with various types of software in the Windows environment. 

     Depending upon qualifications, the successful candidate may be hired at the Legal Administrative Assistant I PT or Legal Administrative Assistant II PT level.  The hourly salary range for a Legal Administrative Assistant I is $25.77 to $31.34 and the range for a Legal Administrative Assistant II is $29.36 to $35.68.

     This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this department.  If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

     Selection Process

     The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application, resume, answers to the job-specific questions, practical exercises, interview, references, and background check, including obtaining criminal history records.  Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be forwarded to the interview and practical exercise phases of the selection process. 

     You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process.  Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response. 

     * What is your experience preparing pleadings for the State, Federal and Appellate Courts and what type of pleadings are you familiar with? (i.e., motions, discovery documents, appellate briefs, trial documents, etc.).  Please describe the areas of law in which you worked related to preparation of these pleadings. 

     * Have you worked on a group project in your employment in the legal sector?  Please describe an example where you worked collaboratively with other employees and work groups, and the outcome.

     You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. 

     If you have any questions concerning the duties of this position, please contact Tina Nassri at tina.nasseri@sanjoseca.gov.

Final Filing Date: 5:00pm, Friday, October 19, 2018

Appointment to this position is contingent upon:

*A pre-employment fingerprinting criminal history records check

Resume will not be accepted in lieu of application. Application, including all work history, must be fully completed if a resume is attached. Incomplete and/or inaccurate applications may result in disqualification from the recruitment process. All communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via email or postal mail. Be sure to include a valid e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to contact information.

About the Position

Under general direction, performs professional-level tasks related to municipal planning, zoning, housing, economic development and environmental analysis; researches and analyzes a variety of planning data; prepares various studies and recommendations; prepares and reviews environmental documents; reviews development and subdivision proposals, building plans, permits, and parcel maps; works with developers, architects, attorneys, and the public regarding City standards and policies; may serve as staff to various Commissions and/or committees; and does related work as required.

This classification is a journey level class in the professional planning series.  With the requisite experience, the incumbent can independently assume responsibility for more complex projects and specialized assignments. This position differs from the Assistant Planner position by increased responsibility for project management.

General direction is received from the Principal Planner. Direct supervision and supervision through secondary managers may be provided with specific project assignments in the Community Development Department Responsibilities may include functional supervision of subordinate staff.

Essential Duties

• Conducts assigned planning projects involving land use, populations, structures, economic activities, housing, transportation, environmental and related subjects; conducts research, and confers with applicants, interested parties, and agency representatives to identify problems and opportunities.
• Analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; determines methods to reconcile project conflicts with local and state law.
• Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations; makes oral presentations to the public and elected and appointed decision makers.
• Receives and reviews planning applications; coordinates review with various City and outside agencies; may lead a team on complex applications and long range planning projects; responds to inquiries both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, within established parameters; explains City procedures in person, over the phone and in writing.
• Drafts resolutions, findings, ordinances and amendments to them, and California Environmental Quality Act documents.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of graphs, charts and other displays.
• Provides information on city, regional and state environmental, zoning, and subdivision requirements to consultants, developers, property owners and the general public.
• Works extensively on the computer to manage current planning case-loads, produce written documents, prepare maps and graphics, analyze data, create graphics, research on the Internet, and communicate with others through e-mail.
• May administer contracts and oversee the work of consultants.
• May provide staff support to city agencies, commissions or ad-hoc advisory groups.
• Performs duties consistent with the City’s commitment to exceptional customer service.

Final Filing Date: 5:00pm, Friday, October 19, 2018

Appointment to this position is contingent upon:

*A pre-employment fingerprinting criminal history records check

Resume will not be accepted in lieu of application. Application, including all work history, must be fully completed if a resume is attached. Incomplete and/or inaccurate applications may result in disqualification from the recruitment process. All communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via email or postal mail. Be sure to include a valid e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to contact information.

About the Position

Under general direction, performs professional tasks related to municipal planning, zoning, housing, economic development and environmental analysis; researches and analyzes a variety of planning data; prepares various studies and recommendations; prepares and reviews environmental documents; reviews development and subdivision proposals, building plans, permits, and parcel maps; works with developers, architects, attorneys, and the public regarding City standards and policies; may serve as staff to various Commissions and/or committees; and does related work as required.

This classification is the entry level class in the professional planning series.  With the requisite experience, the incumbent can independently assume responsibility for more complex projects and specialized assignments. The Assistant Planner classification is distinguished from higher level positions by the nature of the work as entry level, of lesser scope, and/or moderately difficult and complex assignments.  The incumbent may work independently with supervision or as part of a team.

General direction is received from the Principal Planner and other Planners. Direct supervision and supervision through secondary managers may be provided with specific project assignments in the Community Development Department.

Essential Duties

• Conducts assigned planning projects involving land use, populations, structures, economic activities, housing, transportation, environmental and related subjects; conducts research, and confers with applicants, interested parties, and agency representatives to identify problems and opportunities.
• Analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; determines methods to reconcile project conflicts with local and state law.
• Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations; makes oral presentations to the public and elected and appointed decision makers.
• Receives and reviews planning applications; coordinates review with various City and outside agencies; may lead a team on complex applications and long range planning projects; responds to inquiries both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, within established parameters; explains City procedures in person, over the phone and in writing.
• Drafts resolutions, findings, ordinances and amendments to them, and California Environmental Quality Act documents.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of graphs, charts and other displays.
• Provides information on city, regional and state environmental, zoning, and subdivision requirements to consultants, developers, property owners and the general public.
• Works extensively on the computer to manage current planning case-loads, produce written documents, prepare maps and graphics, analyze data, create graphics, research on the Internet, and communicate with others through e-mail.
• May administer contracts and oversee the work of consultants.
• May provide staff support to city agencies, commissions or ad-hoc advisory groups.
• Performs duties consistent with the City’s commitment to exceptional customer service.

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is seeking experienced candidates for the position of Assistant Supervising Family Law Facilitator. If you are a Family Law Attorney who is ready for the next step in your career, we invite you to apply today!

You will work under the ADR Managing Attorney and assist with supervision and training of professional and support staff assigned to the Family Law Facilitator/Self-Help Division of the Superior Court, and you will have the opportunity to temporarily act as the supervisor in the manager's absence. Your responsibilities include coordinating, scheduling and planning within the division; addressing difficult, technical and specialized matters; handling personnel matters including but not limited to timekeeping, evaluations and disciplinary actions; and implementing and interpreting policies and procedures of the court and as specified under the California Family Code sections 10000-10015 and California Rules of Court, Rule 5.430. You will also perform vital services, such as providing referrals to community resources specializing in services for parents and children, and assisting self-represented litigants in family law proceedings for child support, spousal support, visitation, health insurance, child custody and related matters, as well as other areas of civil law as the court deems appropriate.
 
The court's mission is to apply the law fairly to protect individual freedom and to promote the welfare of the people. Join us in meeting our goal of continuing to find innovative ways to conduct business and provide essential court services to our community. For more information on our organization, visit http://www.sanmateocourt.org/.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties: 
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with planning, developing, recommending and implementing operational procedures for the Self-Help/Family Law Facilitator Program, ensuring maximum utilization of available staff and financial resources.
• Provide input to the manager for evaluations and disciplinary actions of assigned professional, technical, clerical, intern and volunteer staff; assist in the selection and training of staff in work procedures.
• Serve as a resource for staff on technical procedures as well as administrative and personnel policies and procedures.
• Monitor and modify workload distribution as needed.
• Determine and coordinate work schedules as directed.
• Coordinate the activities of the Program with those related to the activities of County and other parent and child services resources.
• Review self-represented litigants (SRL) initial filings; provide for legal assistance to the parents concerning the process of establishing parentage and establishing, modifying and enforcing child and spousal support.
• Review pleadings, ex-parte requests for temporary orders, files and existing court orders and refer matters for judicial review.
• Interview litigants prior to hearing or trial; analyze information and assess elements such as goals of the litigant, case history, substantive and procedural laws; advise parties how to proceed.
• Prepare child and spousal support schedules following statutory guidelines.
• Distribute forms and informational materials; assist parties in completing forms and understanding options and alternatives.
• Review and recommend SRL applications for fee waivers, following established procedures.
• Review matters referred from judicial officers, and others related to self­ represented family law or civil matters; research and prepare responses and/or oversee the preparation of responses by assigned staff; prepare orders after hearings.
• Provide referrals to the District Attorney, ADR programs, Family Court Services and community agencies which provide services for parents and children.
• Prepare a variety of reports, stipulations, forms, correspondence, educational and outreach materials and other written information; disseminate informational materials through a variety of media, including automated systems.
• Maintain accurate records and files; prepare and provide statistical information to the Judicial Council and other departments and organizations.
• Provide input regarding the budgetary needs of the Program.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and ensure that critical deadlines are met.
• Maintain record systems in an organized, accessible manner, purging outdated material and files pursuant to departmental policy.
• Retrieve and analyze data from a variety of sources, including manual and automated systems.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 
Knowledge of:

• Basic supervisory principles and techniques of supervision and personnel management, including work planning, training and review.
• Principles and practices of program development, management and evaluation.
• Mediation or litigation experience, or both, in the field of family law.
• State and Federal Laws, codes and regulations, including Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act, related to the process of establishing parentage and establishing, modifying and enforcing child and spousal support, visitation, health care coverage and related child/parent matters; family law procedures and operation of the uniform state child support guideline.
• Basic understanding of law and psychological issues related to domestic violence.
• Preparation of formal orders consistent with the court's announced order in cases where both parties are unrepresented.
• Legal terminology, procedures, principles, and concepts.
• Legal research techniques, including the use of case law, statutory law, secondary sources and legal indexes and digests.
• Rules of evidence and trial and hearing procedures.
• Administrative procedures of the Superior Court.
• Community resources for the provision of assistance to parents and children.
• Office practices and procedures, including filing and operation of standard office equipment such as a computer.
• Techniques for dealing with persons of various ages and ethnic and socio­ economic backgrounds, who may have physical and/or emotional problems.
• Practices and techniques of effective mediation.
• Business data processing principles and the use of automation tools for retrieval and analysis.
• Business letter and legal document formatting.
• Correct English usage, including grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Computer applications related to the work.

 
Skill/Ability to:

• Organize, plan, direct and coordinate work of the Self-Help/Family Law Facilitator attorneys, support staff, externs, volunteers and JusticeCorps members.
• Learn and apply the principles of supervision, training and evaluating subordinate attorneys, support staff, externs, volunteers and JusticeCorps members.
• Analyze and appraise legal issues presented.
• Interpret, evaluate, make decisions in accordance with, and explain complex laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems.
• Insure and maintain knowledge of recent developments in the law.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, documents, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established legal, policy and procedural guidelines.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Work with low-income, semiliterate, self-represented, or non-English speaking litigants

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is five years as a Court Staff Attorney II with an emphasis on family law matters.
 
Other Requirements: Active membership in the State Bar of California with a minimum of five years of experience in the practice of law, including a substantial family law practice, San Mateo County Bar Association and specialty section memberships as determined by the Court Executive Officer.

APPLICATION/EXAMINATION 
Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. This recruitment is being conducted in collaboration with the County of San Mateo.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: October 2, 2018, 11:59 PM
Application Screening: October 9, 2018
Panel Interview: October 25, 2018

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to our diversity.

Note: Although the County is conducting the recruitment with the Superior Court, this position is not a County position.

The City of St. Helena has an exciting opportunity to fill a limited-term full-time position in the Planning Department.  This is a great opportunity to become part of a team of dedicated individuals that take pride in serving the local community.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Assistant/Associate/Senior Planner is the entry/journey/advanced level class in the professional planning series in which incumbents are expected to possess or  develop journey/advanced journey level knowledge and abilities to independently perform responsible administrative and professional planning work; provide limited supervision to assigned staff engaged in performing duties as needed; conduct research, compilation, analysis, and reporting of planning data depending on qualifications; handle highly complex and critical planning assignments; and prepare planning reports, studies and re  commendations.

Current  and Advanced Planning Projects: In addition to the examples listed below, the part-time limited term Assistant/Associate/Senior Planner will be assigned a combination of complex current development projects and/or will be tasked with assisting in the completion of a number of Planning Commission and City Council prioritized advanced planning projects (including CEQA review and compliance), depending on experience and qualifications.

Examples of Duties: (include but are not limited to the following)

¨ Plans, organizes and conducts research studies; prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning regulations, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs and housing; prepares environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial and community uses.

¨ Maintains, updates and analyzes data required for community planning; participates in the review, development, revision and maintenance of general plan elements, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and other policies and procedures.

¨ Reviews and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing and commercial developments; reviews and processes variances, use permits and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval; identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; conducts project site checks.

¨ Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; investigates and responds to complaints of zoning code violations; performs site inspections; communicates and coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies; coordinates the development review process on public and private projects. 

¨ Coordinates preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards and community groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; makes presentations and prepares material for the City Council, commissions, boards and community groups.

¨ Works with the Building Department to review building permit applications for compliance with the zoning regulations.

¨ Performs a wide range of staff assignments for the Planning Commission; may provide work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants.

¨ Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management, staff and the public .

¨ Performs other related duties as assigned.

Are you looking to take the next step in your planning career?

As a senior planner with the City of Menlo Park, you will be an integral part of the Community Development Department and will have an opportunity to manage a variety of complex development projects primarily in the Bayfront Area near Facebook’s Headquarters and lead long-range planning efforts. Menlo Park is a dynamic city that stretches from the hills of Interstate 280 to the marshland of the San Francisco Bay.  Just as diverse as the City’s landscapes are the interests of the community, and this is what makes Menlo Park a dynamic place to work. If you have a passion for urban planning, thrive in a fast-paced work environment, and value teamwork, come join Menlo Park’s Planning Division where you will be part of a team of bright, collaborative, and enthusiastic planners.

A job description, including examples of typical job functions and qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities, is available by clicking on the Job Description link.

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Courtroom Clerk I/II.

You will provide direct administrative assistance to supervisors, the Judges, and Commissioners; interact with attorneys, the public, and other County agencies; process a variety of legal documents; provide data entry support; maintain accurate and timely records of court proceedings; and provide support services to the Clerk's Office.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in the legal field and working knowledge of court documents, processing procedures, and legal terminology. Additionally, the ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of computers and court automated systems.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism while working with a diverse group, including the judicial officers, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and adapt in a challenging work environment with shifting priorities and multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and independently.
• Excellent public speaking, listening, and written communication skills.

Courtroom Clerks are expected to work in any court department and must be able to travel to any court location in the county.

The court's mission is to apply the law fairly to protect individual freedom and to promote the welfare of the people. Please visit http://www.sanmateocourt.org/ for more information on our organization.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties: 
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Attend all court proceedings and record and transcribe minutes of legal actions and proceedings such as disposition of pleas, trial settings, other motions, continuances, and all findings and rulings made by the court.
• Maintain a judge's daily court calendar and inform appropriate individuals of changes; record assignment of cases and confer with attorneys to set hearing dates.
• Screen visitors and attend confidential hearings in the judge's chambers; prepare and process appropriate documentation resulting from such hearings.
• Impanel and poll jurors, record challenges, administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses and jurors and record jury service and compensation due; provide general, non-legal information regarding courtroom policies and procedures to courtroom participants.
• Receive, mark and maintain records of evidence and exhibits; ensure the safekeeping of such materials during the proceedings.
• Read charges and read and record verdicts and sentences; prepare abstracts of judgments for sentencing purposes.
• Notify involved parties of various court matters by telephone, in person or by preparing correspondence; answer routine inquiries and correspondence regarding court matters such as court orders, hearing and filing dates and the judge's decisions.
• Provide varied office and administrative assistance to the judge.
• Enter and retrieve data and prepare reports using a personal or on-line computer system; create new databases and report formats using preprogrammed software for case management.
• Organize work, set priorities and ensure that critical deadlines are met.
• Organize and maintain varied general and departmental files; initiate new filing systems and purge outdated materials as required; maintain tickler files and independently follow up on matters as necessary.
• Operate standard office equipment such as a typewriter, word processor, copy reproduction, facsimile machine, calculator or telephone.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Courtroom Clerk I - Two years of experience receiving, filing and processing a variety of legal documents such as are found in a Court.
• Courtroom Clerk II - One year of experience attending court sessions, maintaining records of courtroom activities and providing office support assistance to a judge.

Knowledge of: Court and courtroom policies, procedures, practices and terminology; applicable codes, rules of court and proceedings and general legal terminology, process and format; office and administrative practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment; records management practices and procedures, including indexing and cross-indexing; business letter writing and the proper form for typed material; correct English usage, including grammar, spelling and punctuation; principles and techniques for dealing with the public, often when relations may be strained; basic business data processing principles and practices; and business arithmetic.

Skill/Ability to: Understand and apply Court, courtroom and basic legal policies, practices, procedures and terminology and explain them to court participants; perform detailed, complex and difficult courtroom support work quickly and accurately; organize and prioritize work, meet critical time deadlines and coordinate multiple activities; deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals; make accurate arithmetic calculations; exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions; use standard office equipment, including a word processor and/or a personal or on-line computer; organize and maintain accurate files and records; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and type at a rate of 40 net words per minute from printed copy.

APPLICATION/EXAMINATION 
Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. This recruitment is being conducted in collaboration with the County of San Mateo.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of a written examination (pass/fail). Candidates who pass the written examination will be invited to a panel interview, including a writing exercise (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 
Written Examination
The written exam is a basic civil service / government examination. It is a 100-question multiple-choice test with six subject areas including: Clerical Skills; Written Communication; Problem-Solving, Analysis, and Mathematical Ability; Public and Interpersonal Relations; Legal Procedures and Terms; and Technical Expert/Resource. Applicants must achieve a passing score on the written examination to move forward to the interview.
 
Most libraries and bookstores stock study guides for civil service/government examinations. Applicants are encouraged to review these resource materials prior to taking the examination. While the Court does not recommend or endorse specific books, job seekers can ask librarians or store employees for guidance when selecting appropriate study aids.

Panel Interview 
The panel interview is a standard component of most Civil Service selection processes. Each candidate will be interviewed individually by a panel of three (or more) subject matter experts from the Court. All candidates will be asked the same questions, in the same order, for approximately the same amount of time. Responses to each question will be scored based on pre-determined scoring criteria. Each candidate will receive an overall interview score. Candidates who achieve a passing score on the panel interview will be placed on the eligible list ranked according to their interview score. As part of the interview process, each candidate will complete a writing exercise prior to their interview. The writing exercise will be scored and the score will be part of the overall score for the panel interview.

The anticipated dates of the recruitment and examination processes are listed below. Please make plans to be present for these opportunities.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
 
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: September 25, 2018, 11:59 PM
Written Examination: October 13, 2018
Panel Interview: October 30 and/or 31, 2018

Please Note: The Written Examination date of Saturday, October 13, 2018 is firm. The exact time and location of the exam will be sent to applicants by October 3, 2018. Written Exams are usually given in San Mateo County and generally start at 8:00 AM. Because of the logistics involved in giving the exam, no make-up exams will be offered except in cases where there is a need for a special accommodation. Please make plans now to be available for the October 13th examination.
 

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to our diversity.

Note: Although the County is conducting the recruitment with the Superior Court, this position is not a County position.

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is seeking a qualified and experienced Court Staff Attorney to fill the role of Hearing Officer. The court's mission is to apply the law fairly to protect individual freedom and to promote the welfare of the people.

As a Court Staff Attorney / Hearing Officer, you will play a key role in carrying out our mission, including our goal of continuing to find innovative ways to conduct business and provide essential court services to our community. Our Probate and Civil Divisions need your expertise in performing a wide variety of legal research duties and all phases of legal work. Apply today!
 

Court Staff Attorney I ($81,556.80 - $101,649.60 Annually) is the entry level attorney position for the court.

Court Staff Attorney II ($98,488.00 - $122,720.00 Annually) is the experienced level attorney position for the court.

The ideal candidate will be a member of the California State Bar (required) and have strong working knowledge of California probate and civil law and procedure, as well the functions of a California Superior Court.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following preferred qualifications:

• Experience as a hearing officer.
• Experience performing legal research in probate and civil law matters.
• Experience in proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act.
• Knowledge of general legal principles and application to probate and civil law.
• Knowledge of the Civil, Probate, Evidence and Welfare and Institutions Codes; the Code of Civil Procedure; California Rules of Court and local rules.
• Knowledge of evidentiary principles, pre-trial, hearing and trial procedures.
• Knowledge of computerized legal research and related applications, such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, as well as office applications, such as Word.
• Working knowledge of family or criminal law.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong understanding of the importance of and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Please visit http://www.sanmateocourt.org/ for more information on our organization.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties: 
Essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct certification review and capacity hearings pursuant to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act.
• Provide independent legal research to the judges and commissioners of the San Mateo County Superior Court bench.
• Research and provide written memoranda for those matters set before the Probate Judge and/or the Law and Motion Judge's daily calendar.
• Review and make recommendations on any probate or civil ex parte motion presented to the court on the daily ex parte calendar(s).
• Research, prepare memoranda, draft orders and meet with the designated judge on specially set matters.
• Review and brief preliminary injunctions and writs and receivership matters filed with the court.
• Draft, review, edit and research local rules of court as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS 
Knowledge of: 

• Legal terminology, procedures, principles, and concepts.
• Legal research techniques, including the use of case law, statutory law, secondary sources and legal indexes and digests.
• Administrative procedures of the Superior Court.
• Office practices and procedures, including filing and operation of standard office equipment such as a computer.
• Business data processing principles and the use of automation tools for retrieval and analysis.
• Business letter and legal document formatting.
• Correct English usage, including grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Rules of evidence and trial and hearing procedures.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Techniques for dealing with persons of various ages and ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, who may have physical and/or emotional problems.
• Specific assignments may require knowledge of: Laws, codes and regulations related to the process of establishing parentage and establishing, modifying and enforcing child and spousal support, visitation, health care coverage and related child/parent matters.
• Practices and techniques of effective mediation.
• Community resources for the provision of assistance to parents and children.

Skill/Ability to: 

• Interpret, evaluate, make decisions in accordance with, and explain complex laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems.
• Prepare statements of fact, law and argument.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, documents, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established legal, policy and procedural guidelines.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Court Staff Attorney II: A typical way to qualify is three years as a Court Staff Attorney I.

Other Requirements: Membership in the California State Bar Association, San Mateo County Bar Association and specialty section memberships as determined by the Court Executive Officer.

APPLICATION/EXAMINATION 
Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. This recruitment is being conducted in collaboration with the County of San Mateo.

This recruitment is open to any attorney with the minimum qualifications, who is a member in good standing with the California State Bar.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Online application packets will consist of the following parts, and all four parts must be submitted with the online application form by the application deadline: 

1. A completed standard Court/County of San Mateo online application form.
2. Responses to the supplemental questions that are part of the online application form.
3. A resume attached to the online application form.
4. A writing sample specific to a probate petition or civil motion that you have briefed and argued, no longer than five (5) pages, also attached to the online application form.

PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete application packets may not be reviewed. In case of a high volume of applications, the court reserves the right to limit the number of candidates interviewed to the most highly qualified.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: September 25, 2018, 11:59 PM
Application Screening: September 27, 2018
Panel Interview: October 10 and/or 11, 2018

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to our diversity.

Note: Although the County is conducting the recruitment with the Superior Court, this position is not a County position.

Please see the job flyer.

Summary /Objective 

Under general supervision, performs advanced level professional and technical work which involves the checking and reviewing of building plans for compliance with established codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations; conducts field inspections on various projects; conducts special inspections; provides information and assists at the counter in the City Hall building to architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, the general public, and others; and provides highly technical and complex administrative support to the Planning and Community Development Director. 

Essential Job Functions 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions: 

1.    Incumbents in this class have regular responsibility for handling complex or unusual plan reviews that require further investigation, study, and resolution, and are not typically handled by other staff.
2.    Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, para-professional, technical, and clerical staff, as assigned, as well as manages, trains, coordinates, and supervises subordinate staff.
3.    Examines and reviews all building plans and consults with builders, developers, owners, professional designers, and general public regarding compliance with building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, and zoning codes, State laws, and City ordinances.
4.    Makes decisions regarding interpretation of code items and technical problems, and approves methods of construction and material.
5.    Plans, directs, and reviews the work of staff responsible for providing plan review services; verifies work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, 6.    Performs field inspections of residential and commercial buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations as required and assists field inspectors and other staff with complex or unusual requirements.
7.    Prepares and maintains files, reports, and records of activities and procedures.
8.    Assists at the counter in the City Hall building calculating fees, issuing permits, and dispensing general and technical information.
9.    Confers with architects, contractors, builders and the general public explaining and interpreting requirements and restrictions; answers questions from homeowners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public regarding the City's policies and procedures, related codes, ordinances and regulations.
10.    Coordinates plans examining and permit issuance activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside regulatory agencies.
11.     Issues notices of violation and citations for building violations; prepares case reports for court administrative proceedings.
12.    May represent the Community Development Department at public meetings.
13.    Analyzes structural engineering aspects of designs and calculations.
14.    Evaluates test reports, including engineering reports and soil analysis reports.

Competencies

•    Ethical Conduct
•    Time Management
•    Organization Skills
•    Financial Management
•    Project Management
•    Personal Effectiveness/Credibility

Conformance Statement 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: 

•    Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
•    Interact professionally with other employees, residents, suppliers and elected officials.
•    Work cooperatively and effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
•    Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and
coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
•    Maintain the highest level of ethical behavior in all matters.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

Must complete post-offer/pre-employment Department of Justice finger printing and 
background screening. Work authorization as required by the U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services is mandatory within three business days of hire. 

Disaster Service Worker Requirements 

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are 
designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster 
service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law. 

Working Conditions, Mental and _Physical Demands 

The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. 

Work Environment 

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office 
equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and 
hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the 
telephone. 

This position requires the flexibility to work in both office and field environments. Office environment requires extended sitting and standing, use of personal computers and 
reviewing plans. Field environment requires ability to transverse construction sites, 
standing and walking for extended periods of time, and ability to inspect construction projects. 

Physical Demands 

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer 
keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull 
drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds. 

Indoor office environment; the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms. Noise and temperatures are 
moderate and fumes are not generally present. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. 

Essential Mental Functions 

Be able to make quick decisions, supervise others, problem solve, read, write, and 
speak publicly. Essential to be able to read, organize, process and interpret data. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position has a significant level of supervisory responsibilities. 

Expected Hours of Work/Work Schedule 

Monday- Thursday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (4xl 0 work week). Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

Travel 

10-20% travel is expected for this position.

Disclaimers

This disclaimer informs the employee that the job description is not a contract between the employee and the City. The City may change the job description and may request the employee to perform additional duties not included in this description.