Paralegal - Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program Job

San Bernardino County is recruiting for Paralegals who will work for the Law Offices of the Public Defender and be assigned to work with the Behavioral Health Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. The AOT program was designed to reach individuals who struggle to exit the mental health system’s revolving door through a multi-disciplinary team approach and with support from key collaborative partners, including the Law Offices of the Public Defender and the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator. The program aims to provide necessary mental health services to reduce hospitalizations, incarcerations, and homelessness in order to improve public safety and the quality of life for those affected.

This program offers the unique opportunity for a Paralegal to work as a member of the Public Defender's mobile team alongside the Sheriff's Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) team, and engage the unhoused and mentally ill in voluntary treatment in order to avoid Care Court. The mobile team will meet potential AOT clients where they reside and provide field-based consultation and representation. This position will assist with referrals, preparation of legal paperwork, issues pertaining to warrants, and providing support for attorneys.

Additional duties may include assisting in the preparation of legal documents, trial preparation, and legal research and analysis.

For more detailed information, refer to the Paralegal job description.

About the Law Offices of the Public Defender

The Law Offices of the Public Defender provide legal representation to any criminal or civil commitment defendant who cannot afford to hire an attorney, unless the office has a legal conflict of interest with that defendant’s case. The Public Defender represents adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes, and persons facing involuntary civil commitment for mental disorders or commitment under the Sexually Violent Predator statute.

The Law Offices of the Public Defender, San Bernardino County is a leader in innovation, developing and implementing programs to operate more efficiently and improving individual lives. Using a holistic approach, the Public Defender seeks to increase client opportunities for achieving self-sufficiency. In addition to providing legal defense, our agency also seeks to arrange client access to social service programs and assistance with receiving alcohol and drug rehabilitation services and counseling for mental health issues.

Education: Applicants must meet one of the options below.

Note: Candidates are required to attach copies of qualifying degree, transcripts, and/or attorney declaration or application will be disqualified.

Option 1: Possess a certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.

Option 2: Possess a certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a post-secondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) units in law-related courses that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau of Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education.

Option 3: Possess a baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject from an accredited college or university, a minimum of one (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 three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three (3) years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating the applicant is qualified to perform legal tasks.

Health/Dental Benefits, Paid Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Leave