Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator

Job Title
Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator
Job Code
R45040
Job Series
Trial Courts
FLSA Status
Exempt
OCC Group
Professional Services (PS)
Signature of the State Court Administrator approval available on file in the Human Resources Division.
General Statement Of Duties

Summary of Job Classification:
Assists self-represented litigants in the effective and efficient processing of court cases while educating self-represented litigants on court statutes, rules, policies, and procedures within legal limitations to ensure that court cases are handled properly and expeditiously.

Distinguishing Factors

Human Collaboration:
Work may require providing advice to others outside direct reporting relationships on specific problems or general policies. Contacts may require the consideration of different points of view to reach agreement. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Interactions have significant impact.

Freedom to Act & Impact of Actions:
Receives Limited Direction
Employee normally perform assignments according to your own judgment, requesting Supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically. Impact of actions are moderate.

Knowledge & Skills:
Advanced: Work requires advanced skills and advanced & extensive knowledge of work. Incumbent can handle complex tasks and translate complex nuances related to aspects of the job. Recognized by others within organization for technical depth of knowledge. Likely impact on organization is standard.

Fiscal Responsibility:
May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for functional area budget allocations. May monitor division or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.

Essential Functions Of the Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform assigned essential functions listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency and percentage of time may vary based on assignment.

Assists pro se litigants in procedural aspects of domestic relations cases, small claims, district and county civil lawsuits, name changes, evictions, adoptions, estate matters, guardianships, conservatorships, appeals, deregistration, and sealing criminal records. Solicits and provides internal and external resources to pro se litigants.

Informs self-represented litigants of available options and assists by providing information regarding state statutes, rules, policies, and procedures. Answers questions and reviews procedures and documentation for accuracy without offering legal advice. Explains court processes of scheduling hearings and mediation, status checks, court limitations and general follow-up to self-represented litigants.

Organizes and facilitates monthly legal clinics with volunteer attorneys for primary domestic, civil, and probate case types. Coordinates large-scale resource events.

Collaborates with judicial officers and supervisors to review and develop procedures to ensure and improve quality court representation, provide case flow management, and advise self-represented litigants on procedures. Drafts, reviews, and revises procedures, forms, and flowcharts.

Works collaboratively with external stakeholders, including attorneys and non-profits. Participates in various state and local committees and trainings.

Engages in community outreach initiatives to strengthen and identify resources for self-represented litigants. Develops educational tools and resources and maintains the website.

Completes required trainings and attend meetings as requested.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees. The work performed by majority of employees is complex.

Minimum Education

Education and Experience Equivalency:
Bachelor’s degree in the field of Psychology, Sociology, or related field.

OR

Additional work experience in these or other related fields may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required formal education.

Work Related Experience: 
1 to 3 years of experience in legal, social work, or similar field.

Licenses and Certifications: 
None. 

Physical Demands

Physical Effort Requirements:
Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Work Environment

Work Environment:
Good-Relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.

Work Location:
Office or similar indoor environment.

Exposures:
Individuals who are hostile or irate; individuals with known or violent backgrounds.