Clerical Assistant #26-012

The Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California is accepting applications for a full-time Clerical Assistant position for the Sacramento office. The Office of the Federal Defender represents indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related court matters under the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Our Clerical Assistant frequently serves as our first point of contact with clients, family members, court personnel, and the public, playing a critical role in helpful and needed office communications and workflow.

Telephone and General Office Communication: Responsible for receiving, screening and directing all incoming telephone calls for the Sacramento office, serving as backup to our Fresno office’s calls. Greet and direct visitors; serve as our initial point of contact for clients and the public, ensuring professional, clear and supportive communication.

General Office Support: This position monitors the office access, including office inventory, receives office mail and packages, including picking up and delivering mail at the courthouse. Ensures that adequate office supplies are on hand and helps maintain our inventory of office supplies

Organization: Assists in organizing our office, supply room, and file room, including case files, and ensures files are properly closed & stored.

Word Processing Tasks: Assists with work processing tasks and assignments, including typing memoranda, correspondence, reports. and other documents. Formats and revises documents and assists in recording statistical data. Operates all office equipment.

This is a full-time position with pay based on qualifications and years of general and relevant specific experience. Entry Level is JS-5/1 $45,155 to aJS-7/1 $55,934 and is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment. A comprehensive benefits package includes health and life insurance, vision and dental benefits, flexible spending accounts, 13 days of paid annual leave (annual leave accrual increases over time), 13 days of paid sick leave, paid leave for all 12 federal holidays, and participation in the Federal Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan (with up to 5% government matching contributions).

This position is primarily in the Sacramento office during the hours of 8am to 5pm. Telework may be available up to 1 day per week after six months.

To qualify for the position of Receptionist/Clerical Assistant, candidates must have at least a high school diploma and one year of general experience performing progressively responsible duties. Computer literacy, word-processing skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat are required. Candidates must have good oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Our ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment, manages multiple tasks with strong attention to detail, and approaches their work with enthusiasm and effective prioritization. They communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and the public, demonstrate consistent dependability, initiative, and responsibility, and work collaboratively as part of a team. An interest in indigent criminal defense and compassion for our clients is essential.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful completion of an FBI background check. Federal Public Defender employees are members of the judicial branch of the government and are considered “at will.” This position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship.