Position: Bilingual Receptionist
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Deadline: July 22, 2022
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time, bilingual receptionist position for our Los Angeles office. The Federal Public Defender’s office is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are charged with federal crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.
Job Duties: Receptionists provide a variety of front-desk and clerical support services. They are often the first point of contact for clients and visitors to the office. General areas of responsibility include receiving, screening, and referring or directing telephone calls; answering general inquiries and providing information according to available reference material; greeting and directing visitors; monitoring interior office access; keeping track of staff arrivals and departures; recording and distributing telephone or in-person messages to personnel who are unavailable; determining urgency of messages and seeking appropriate action; screening collect telephone calls from incarcerated defendants and the general public’s requests for assistance; assisting with word processing tasks and assignments; processing ECF emails from the Court; emailing staff when a package arrives, and processing mail, as needed.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; ability to work with diverse communities and clients from different backgrounds; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills; an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well in teams.
A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requi.... Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be requested of the candidate(s) selected for this position. Additional information regarding the office’s vaccine policy will be provided to the selected candidate(s).
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Requirements: All applicants must have a high school diploma, at least. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs. Must be able to speak, read, and write in Spanish. The ideal candidate will also have comprehensive knowledge of office clerical principles, practices, methods, and techniques; an understanding of district and circuit court rules, protocols, policies, and precedents; and knowledge of legal processes, terminology, and office practices and procedures. Understands and exercises care regarding attorney/client privilege and confidentiality.
How to Apply: Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, and three references in a single PDF document to Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Federal Public Defender, at [email protected] with the subject line: RECEPTIONIST APPLICATION. All application materials must be received by July 22, 2022, however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.