Legal Assistant

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services:

Join a team that engages with families and children to improve lives meaningfully. DCS engages authentically with children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers family preservation and prevention services, foster care, and child support throughout Indiana. You will relentlessly pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or support for youth in making a successful transition to adulthood.

While this job is difficult and may have long and sometimes unconventional hours, this is more than a job—it is a calling to improve your community and neighbors. Will you join us in supporting our Mission, Vision, and Values?

Mission:The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.

Vision:Children will live in safe, healthy, and supportive families and communities.

Values:We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing:

• Child safety
• Permanency
• Collaborative partnerships with foster and adoptive families
• A culture of safety and transparency

Role Overview:

The Legal Assistant provides paralegal and administrative support for local and agency attorneys. You will assist in organizing, processing, and maintaining records related to DCS cases and may provide research, clerical, and reporting when needed.

This position is in the Indianapolis North DCS office and will serve staff in Marion County.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000 per year but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

• Provides administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal divisions.
• Performs legal research under the direction of staff counsel or an administrative law judge.
• Assists at depositions and hearings by taking notes, providing follow-up questions to attorneys, and keeping track of documents.
• Prepares, proofreads, or processes legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
• Mails, faxes, or arranges for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
• Receives and responds to inquiries regarding current hearings from attorneys, legislators, or clients by telephone, email, and/or correspondence.
• Schedules hearing dates and sites, makes appointments, and manages calendars.
• Travels to hearing sites, sets up the site, materials, and equipment.
• Organizes and maintains law libraries, database systems, documents, and case files.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have a

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Upon entering the role, individuals must have or obtain the following requirements:

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive…