Paralegal

The Paralegal I, under occasional supervision, performs legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions as to methods or approach, source materials available, policy and precedent of the office. The position also assists the Department of Social Services Legal Unit. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of case, statutory, and common law, as well as judicial and quasi‑judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.

• Performs legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions as to methods or approach, source material available, and policy and precedent of the office.
• Summarizes facts and evidence and prepares legal instruments.
• Abides office practices and procedures; demonstrates thorough knowledge and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
• Gathers and composes a variety of materials from a variety of independent sources.
• Interprets and explains policies, regulations and programs.
• Communicates clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Maintains considerable ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone; plans and coordinates a volume and variety of appointments, meetings, and conferences.
• Exercises judgment and discretion in problem situations independently; answers inquiries independently and coordinates a variety of resources to acquire information.
• Maintains and meets rigorous time mandates.
• Maintains effective working relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.

This position is in a fast‑paced, effort‑intensive legal environment. The position requires someone who can work with minimum supervision. The role involves access to highly confidential information and some subject matter that may be disturbing.

Graduation from an accredited school for paralegal training and one year of experience as a paralegal, or graduation from a four‑year college or university with a degree in English, Journalism, or a degree directly related to the area assigned and one year of substantive paralegal experience; or graduation from high school and five years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Prior computer skills experience with Microsoft Windows.

Possession of a valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Adaptability – Ability to frequently adjust to changes.
• Communication, Oral – Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written – Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Confidentiality – Ability to distinguish confidential information and maintain the sensitive nature of the information.
• Honesty – Ability to be truthful, maintain a high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Integrity – Trustworthiness to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility or pledge.
• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to following policies and procedures.
• Safety‑Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
• Teamwork – Ability to work with others successfully and productively for the common cause and desired end goal.

N (Not Applicable) – Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally) – Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 – 2.5+ hrs./day).

F (Frequently) – Position requires this activity from 33% – 66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5+ hrs./day).

C (Constantly) – Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs./day).

• Stand – Frequently (F)
• Walk – Occasionally (O)
• Sit – Frequently (F)
• Manually Manipulate – Constantly (C)
• Reach Outward – Frequently (F)
• Reach Above Shoulder – Occasionally (O)
• Climb – Occasionally (O)
• Crawl – Not Applicable (N)
• Squat or Kneel – Occasionally (O)
• Bend – Occasionally (O)
• Talk/Hear – Constantly (C)
• See – Constantly (C)
• Taste/Smell – Occasionally (O)

• 10 lbs. or less – Frequently (F)
• 11-20 lbs. – Occasionally (O)
• 21-50 lbs. – Occasionally (O)
• 51-100 lbs. – Occasionally (O)
• Over 100 lbs. – Not Applicable (N)

• 12 lbs. or less – Frequently (F)
• 13-25 lbs. – Occasionally (O)
• 26-40 lbs. – Occasionally (O)
• 41-100 lbs. – Occasionally (O)

• Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral)

Standard office environment.