Job Details for Clerical Assistant
| Court Name/Organization | Texas Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of clerical assistant, to be stationed in the El Paso office. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel. |
| Location | El Paso, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 03/11/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 4, Step 1 to JSP 7, Step 1 |
| Salary | $36,409 - $50,460 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://txw.fd.org/ |
| Announcement Number | 26-25 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The clerical assistant provides a variety of clerical support services to the staff of the Federal Public Defender. The duties of a clerical assistant include:
- Answers and routes telephone calls, takes and delivers messages, receives visitors.
- Calendars court settings and filing deadlines.
- Assists with word processing tasks and assignments.
- Receives and routes incoming mail and deliveries, arranges for courier or express mail service, and oversees outgoing mail.
- Organizes the file room. Ensures that files are properly closed and stored.
- Retrieves files as requested and maintains records and inventories on closed files.
- Operates the facsimile machine, copier, and other shared office equipment, and routes incoming facsimile transmissions.
- Files documents with the court and makes deliveries to various court agencies.
- Translates client correspondence from Spanish to English.
- Serves as interpreter during phone conversations between attorneys and clients.
- Photocopies legal documents and case materials.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
The full position qualifications statement with position description is available for inspection in this office. Law office experience is preferred.
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of clerical assistant, a person must be a high school graduate or equivalent and have at least one year of general experience. Some higher education may be substituted for experience. Must be able to analyze and apply relevant policies and procedures to office operations; exercise good judgment; analyze and recommend practical solutions; be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat. Must be able to work independently, take initiative, and work in harmony with other team members while performing different roles. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, staff, clients, court personnel, and the public. Spanish-language fluency is required. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check.
Employee Benefits
The starting salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant within a range of $36,409 (JSP-4, Step 1) to $50,460 (JSP-7, Step 1) per annum. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does offer federal government employment benefits, including health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
Miscellaneous
The clerical assistant provides a variety of clerical support services to the staff of the Federal Public Defender. The duties of a clerical assistant include:
- Answers and routes telephone calls, takes and delivers messages, receives visitors.
- Calendars court settings and filing deadlines.
- Assists with word processing tasks and assignments.
- Receives and routes incoming mail and deliveries, arranges for courier or express mail service, and oversees outgoing mail.
- Organizes the file room. Ensures that files are properly closed and stored.
- Retrieves files as requested and maintains records and inventories on closed files.
- Operates the facsimile machine, copier, and other shared office equipment, and routes incoming facsimile transmissions.
- Files documents with the court and makes deliveries to various court agencies.
- Translates client correspondence from Spanish to English.
- Serves as interpreter during phone conversations between attorneys and clients.
- Photocopies legal documents and case materials.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
The full position qualifications statement with position description is available for inspection in this office. Law office experience is preferred.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.