Administrative Assistant

About The Colorado State Public Defender

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) in Colorado is a prominent statewide agency dedicated to providing indigent criminal defense services. Operating independently within Colorado's Judicial Branch, the OSPD employs nearly 1,000 staff across 21 regional trial offices, a centralized appellate division, and an administrative office. Their mission centers on defending the rights, freedoms, and dignity of individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private counsel, by delivering constitutionally and statutorily mandated legal representation that is effective, dedicated, and compassionate.

Position Purpose

The role is a full-time, entry-level Administrative Assistant position based in the regional trial offices of OSPD. Reporting to an Office Manager or Supervisor, the assistant undertakes routine legal clerical and receptionist functions, adheres to office procedures, and familiarizes themselves with court processes and case management systems. The job demands strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with colleagues, court staff, and clients, providing patient and empathetic service to indigent criminal defendants. The work setting is dynamic with frequent calls, client engagements, and interruptions, requiring multitasking abilities and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage reception duties including handling multiple incoming phone lines—screening calls, taking messages, and directing contacts to appropriate personnel or agencies; welcome and assist on-site visitors including clients and co-workers; provide general information like appointed attorney names and court dates; maintain a tidy reception area.
• Regularly monitor the main office voicemail and email inbox during scheduled hours, responding to or forwarding communications appropriately.
• Assist individuals applying for public defender representation by explaining application requirements and ensuring document submission; review applications for completeness per eligibility criteria; process applications following state and regional policies.
• Open, enter data into, update, and occasionally close client files in the electronic case management system; transfer physical files between active use and closed storage per policy.
• Search court or local jurisdiction websites to obtain client case details as needed.
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail alongside routine clerical duties such as photocopying, printing, sorting, and disseminating documents and forms.
• Conduct weekly courthouse trips to retrieve digital and physical discovery files when electronic filing is unavailable.
• Upload bulk electronic documents, files, and media to the case management system; scan and archive hardcopy files as required.
• Attend mandatory meetings and training sessions.
• Perform miscellaneous administrative tasks as assigned.

Employee Benefits

• Medical insurance coverage.
• Included basic vision insurance with medical plans.
• Dental insurance benefits.
• State-provided life insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance covered by the state.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off alongside sick leave.
• Flexible work scheduling.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• Access to mental health and well-being resources.
• Participation in Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA).
• Supplemental retirement plans including 401(k) and 457 options.

For detailed benefit information, employees may consult Colorado state resources on employee benefits and PERA.

Additional Information

Interested candidates can review the complete job description and apply through official Colorado government career portals.