HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegal Assistant/Deputy Clerk March 2025
City of Port Townsend Job Description
Legal Assistant/Deputy Clerk
Classification title: Legal Assistant/Deputy
Clerk
Working title: Legal Assistant/Deputy
Clerk
Department: People & Performance Union: No
FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: 616
Hours: Full Time 40 hours Effective date: April 2022; March 2025
Reports to: Director of People &
Performance
Civil Service: No
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director of People & Performance, performs a variety of specialized legal,
clerical and administrative duties. Works with the contracted City Attorney. Depending on
circumstances, most of the work to be performed is administrative/clerical. While there is some civil
litigation or administrative hearing work, it is intermittent. Some regular attendance at day or evening
meetings will be required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides staff support for the City’s legal services including correspondence, preparation of
documents, research, scheduling, and maintenance of legal document filing system.
Prepares legal documents, and execute, file, and record such instruments.
Produces Planning Commission agendas and packet materials including posting of materials
electronically.
Uses Granicus technology to record Planning Commission meetings and study sessions and
prepare minutes.
Prepares agendas, packets, and minutes for other meetings as assigned.
Prepares complex documents, tables, and forms using various software programs.
Researches records and obtains information from other offices and agencies as necessary to
prepare reports under the direction of the Director of People & Performance or contracted City
Attorney.
Routinely deals with confidential matters of high sensitivity; exercises sound judgment and thorough
knowledge of City policies and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of records management techniques with strong emphasis on electronic records
management, including legal requirements for recording, retention, and disclosure.
Knowledge of the Washington state Public Records Act, Open Meetings Act, Municipal Code and
other rules and regulations governing the conduct of local government.
Knowledge of legal documentation and case management procedures.
Knowledge of civil litigation and administrative hearing procedures.
Excellent technical skills and ability to format complex documents (including legal pleadings),
produce spreadsheets, and design forms in Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe, Publisher and other
programs.
Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
Legal Assistant/Deputy Clerk
Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers,
management and customers.
Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges,
or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.
Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, and other
departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions,
provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.
Ability to work cooperatively with others as a member of the department team.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with deadlines.
Ability to work independently from general instructions and broad work expectations.
Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, strong interpersonal
skills and ability to develop and maintain working relationships with co-workers, elected officials,
other agencies, and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Associates degree in related field or completion of a paralegal certificate.
Three years of increasingly responsible legal or administrative support experience.
A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree and
experience requirements.
Preferred
Ability to obtain notary public designation
WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with sitting for long periods of time, utilizing
standard office equipment and personal computer. The noise level in the work environment is usually
moderately quiet. May be required to deal with upset customers. This position typically requires
movement around the office, reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and
repetitive motions. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 10 pounds of force
frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
The physical demands described here 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 the essential functions.
OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS
The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains,
promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-
related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied
without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation
(including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information,
or any other characteristic protected by law.
Legal Assistant/Deputy Clerk
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee
occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any
other job-related duties requested by their supervisors.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee
and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.