Temporary Extra Help Clerk - Public Defender

Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is a government agency dedicated to providing legal defense services to individuals who are unable to afford private counsel. Located in the Public Defender's Building at 215 N Commercial St, Bellingham, WA, this department plays a crucial role in the local justice system by ensuring that everyone has access to fair legal representation. The office is known for its commitment to public service, operating in a fast-paced environment that requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and efficiency.

The Public Defender's Office is currently recruiting for a full-time Clerk/Receptionist on a temporary extra help basis. This position offers an hourly wage of $20.76 and involves working variable hours Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, with weekly hours varying depending on departmental needs. The role is designed for individuals who thrive in a high-volume, often stressful workplace and who possess excellent clerical skills combined with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of clients and personnel.

The Clerk/Receptionist is the primary clerical support in the Public Defender's Office and serves as the initial point of contact for visitors, which include offenders, members of the public, outside agency staff, and Court personnel. This role requires answering telephones, greeting visitors, and managing the recording and retrieval of critical information and documents. Given the nature of the work, the Clerk/Receptionist must be capable of maintaining a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress, emotional distress, or other challenging circumstances such as intoxication or confusion. The ability to exert a calming influence in such situations is essential.

Key responsibilities also include handling the twice-daily court-run, which involves picking up, date stamping, and delivering legal and administrative documents throughout the courthouse complex and within the department. This task is vital to the smooth operation of the Public Defender's Office and requires punctuality, attention to detail, and reliability.

Applicants should be prepared to undergo a background check that meets county criteria for criminal justice positions and pass relevant job-related tests. Experience in a criminal justice setting and familiarity with legal terminology are preferred but not mandatory. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a public service environment that values dedication, accuracy, and interpersonal skills.

Whatcom County is committed to providing competitive benefits at no cost to employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for both employees and their families, generous paid leave including vacation and sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year. Employees are also eligible for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and have access to additional benefits such as life insurance coverage, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, and voluntary insurance options. Overall, this role offers a meaningful and supportive work environment for those interested in serving the community through public defense.