Temporary Extra Help Clerk - Public Defender

Temporary Extra Help Clerk - Public Defender

Salary

$20.76 Hourly

Location

Public Defenders Building - 215 N Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

TMP - PD 0626

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

Whatcom County Public Defenders Office is recruiting for a Clerk/Receptionist -- Temporary Extra Help.

Would you enjoy the challenge of:

• Providing excellent clerical support to the Whatcom County's Public Defender's Office?
• Working successfully in a high-volume, fast-paced environment?
• Applying your first-rate attention to detail to consistently produce accurate work results?

If you answered yes to these questions, Whatcom County is interested in learning more about your qualifications and experience. The Clerk/Receptionist works in an office setting assisting clients in person and on the telephone. They serve as the primary clerical support person in the Public Defender's Office. Duties include answering telephones; greeting visitors, including offenders, the public, outside agency staff, and Court personnel; and recording and retrieval of critical data and information. The position has constant contact with a wide variety of individuals, many of whom are under high levels of stress and may be angry, under emotional distress, confused or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced, distracting environment, have excellent skills working with others, and must be able to work with and exert a calming influence on people in crisis.

• Apply early for first consideration! The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly.

Supervisor: Office Administrator

Pay: $20.76

Hours of Work:

• Variable hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Weekly hours will vary.

For more information, please review:

• CLERK/RECEPTIONIST
• Clerk/Receptionist - Pub Def
• Public Defender | Whatcom County, WA - Official Website

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma AND two years of progressively responsible general office, clerical and/or secretarial experience.

• Experience in a criminal justice setting and knowledge of legal terminology is preferred.

• Must be able to perform the essential job duty of the twice-daily court-run: picking up, date stamping, and delivering legal and administrative documents throughout the courthouse complex and within the department in a timely manner.

• Background check must meet County criteria for criminal justice positions.

• Must pass job related tests.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Please describe your general office, clerical and/or secretarial experience.

03

How many years of progressively responsible general office, clerical and/or secretarial experience do you have?

Required Question

Employer Whatcom County

Address 311 Grand Ave, Suite 107

Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone (360) 778-5300

Website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1675/Current-Job-Openings