Introduction
WHY JOIN US AT SOLANO COUNTY?
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: Our mission is to serve the people and to provide a safe and healthy place to live, learn, work and play.
We Serve The Public In Many Different Ways, Including
- Supporting other local governments through efficient property tax collection as mandated by the State, County and local jurisdictions; and,
- Administration and enforcement of Federal, State, and Local laws and policies pertaining to environmental health, building construction, and land use planning
- Protecting the community from public health threats such as communicable diseases
- Providing primary medical, dental, alcohol, drug and mental health services to residents, including the uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved
- Providing law enforcement services in the unincorporated area of the county
- Coordinating countywide responses to domestic violence and terrorism or other emergencies
- Managing the criminal justice process after arrest (jail, prosecution, defense, probation)
OUR EMPLOYEES: Our diverse workforce is committed to fulfilling this mission and does so by exemplifying our IDEAL Core Values, engaging in our day to day work of serving the public with Integrity, Dignity, Excellence, Accountability, and Leadership.
WHY WE EXIST
The mission of the Solano County Public Defender is to protect and defend the rights, liberty, and dignity of our clients, to enforce the constitutional rights to due process, and to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system for all, regardless of economic status, by providing excellent, compassionate legal representation.
Click here to learn more about the Public Defender's Office: http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/pubdefender/home.asp
THE POSITION
Under direction, the paralegal provides paralegal services in one of the County's legal departments.
Paralegals are responsible for performing legal research, supporting attorneys in assignments which require a paraprofessional understanding of the law and legal procedures.
Position Requirements
Education and Experience and Certification:
Six (6) months of full-time work experience in preparing and processing legal documents that demonstrates possession of and competency in the requisite knowledge and abilities
AND One Of The Following
- A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject and a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
- A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association OR
- A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education OR
Special Requirements
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license may be required.
- Incumbents assigned to the Paralegal classes are required to meet mandatory continuing education requirements pursuant to California Law, Business and Professions Code, Section 6450 (d).
To view the job description for this position, please visit:
https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=12432
BENEFITS/ WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Solano County offers a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits, offered through CalPERS. The County contribution for family coverage for the 2023 calendar year is $1,900.58 per month. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only or who waive medical insurance coverage. The County may offer a supplemental contribution for employees enrolled in Employee plus Two or More coverage.
Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.
Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement.
The County observes 12 full-day fixed and 2 half-day fixed paid holidays per year. Additionally, employees in this bargaining unit receive 2 floating paid holidays per year.
Vacation is accrued at approximately 10 days per year for the first 3 years.
Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year.
Employees are eligible to receive an additional 2.5% longevity pay, per level, after the completion of continuous service at 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.
To view the benefits for a
regular position, please visit:
http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16512
Extra-help employees who work less than 29 hours per week do not typically receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment. All extra-help employees accrue .034 hours of Paid Time Off for every full hour worked.
To view the benefits for an
extra-help position, please visit:
http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16516
CULTURE OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
While Employed With Solano County, Employees Have The Opportunity To Pursue Their Career Goals, Interests, And Develop The Competencies On The Solano County Leadership Development Model By Participating In The Following Programs
Solano County is committed to “Invest In and For the Future” by providing training resources to encourage employee professional development and growth within our organization.
- Supervisory Trainings
- Skill Development Trainings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Annual Education Fair
- Leadership Academy
- County Mentoring Program
- Self-paced learning opportunities
SELECTION PROCESS
07/14/2023 - Deadline to Submit Application and Required Documents
08/07/2023 - Tentative Week for Departmental Interviews
Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination . Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process, unless otherwise announced.
All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change.
RETIREES - Solano County invites all qualified candidates to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.
How To Apply
Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com , to apply. Applications must be submitted through the JobAps system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (degree/transcripts, certificates, DD-214 if applicable, ADA Accommodation Request) must be submitted by the final filing date. Be sure to include the recruitment title (Paralegal) and the recruitment number (23-413300-01) in your email or fax.
Previously submitted application materials (e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment .
Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170, business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA.
Please note that all dates/times listed in the job announcement are Pacific Time.
Document Submittal Requirements
All candidates must submit either a copy of their certificate or college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed). Failure to submit your certificate, diploma, or transcripts by the
final filing date will disqualify you from the recruitment.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service. The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment. Please contact your local college or university to learn where you can obtain this service.
How To Submit Your Documents
In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to
[email protected] . Be sure to include the recruitment title (Paralegal) and the recruitment number (23-413300-01) in your email or fax.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely. Omitted information will not be considered or assumed. Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.
The following best describes my full-time work experience in preparing and processing legal documents:
No experience
Less than 3 years of experience
3 years of more of experience
The Following Best Describes My Full-time Experience As a Paralegal That Demonstrates Possession Of And Competency In The Requisite Knowledge And Abilities
No experience as a paralegal
Less than 18 months of experience as a paralegal in a governmental agency
Less than 18 months of experience as a paralegal in a law firm or non-governmental agency
18 months or more of experience as a paralegal in a governmental agency
18 months or more of experience as a paralegal in a law firm or non-governmental agency
I Meet The Education Requirement By
- Possessing a baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject and a minimum of 1 year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding 3 years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks
- None of the above, I do not meet the education requirement
- Possessing a certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
- Possessing a certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association
If you answered "A" in question 2, you understand that a copy of your paralegal program certificate must be submitted by the final filing deadline.
Yes No
If you answered "B" in question 2, you understand that a copy of your paralegal program certificate AND transcripts which verify successful completion of the required units as detailed within the job announcement, must be submitted by the final filing deadline.
Yes No
If you answered "C" in question 2, you understand that a copy of your baccalaureate or advanced degree (or transcripts which verify conferral of your degree) must be submitted by the final filing deadline.
Additionally, if you answered "C" in question 2, you understand that your application employment history must provide a minimum of 1 year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding 3 years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding 3 years,
AND a written declaration from this attorney stating that you, the applicant, are qualified to perform paralegal tasks. Paralegal tasks must fall under California Business & Professions Code
- 6450(a) which include, but are not limited to, "case planning, development, and management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney..."
Yes No
Some positions may require bilingual skills. Applicants who indicate bilingual skills in their application may be required to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in the language indicated.
Are you proficient in speaking, reading and writing any of the following languages?
Spanish None
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Independent travel will be required.
Some positions in this class may require bilingual skills.
VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS
To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE (GENERALLY COPY 4), MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE. Applicants who have a service connected disability must also submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.
Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined score. Disabled veterans rated at not less than 30% disability shall have ten (10) points added to their combined score. Veteran’s preference points will only be added to passing scores in competitive open examinations.
Americans With Disabilities Act
It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need an accommodation during any phase of the recruitment/testing/examination process (as detailed in the “Selection Process”), must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23215 .
This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment. Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.
SOLANO COUNTY
Click above to take a video tour of Solano County
OUR COMMUNITY
Solano County is the ideal place to live, learn, work and play... The America's Promise Alliance has named Solano County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for six straight years-the only California community with that distinction.
- Live - Solano County as well as cities within the County have ranked in the top 15 hottest markets across the country and within the Bay Area due to prime location and affordability.
- Play - Situated midway between San Francisco and Sacramento-the State capitol, Solano County is home to rolling hillsides, waterfronts and fertile farmland. County residents can enjoy day trips to the San Francisco Bay area, Lake Tahoe region and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
- Work - The blend of agriculture, corporate business and pleasant lifestyle enhance the attraction of Solano County. Blessed with a thriving agricultural economy, the county is also home to biotechnology and other growth industries.
- Learn - Higher education abounds! Within the County, education choices include: Solano Community College, CSU Maritime Academy, Brandman University, and Touro University. Bordering our County is the renowned University of California Davis.
County Population (2023): 465,536
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Closing Date/Time: 7/14/2023 5:00:00 PM
