Introduction
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has the general charge supervision and direction of the States legal business acting as legal advisors and representatives of the major agencies various boards commissions officials and institutions of State Government. The OAG also protects the public by civil enforcement of antitrust civil rights consumer protection and securities laws and regulations and by the prosecution of organized crime Medicaid fraud environmental crimes insurance fraud state tax evasion and other statutorily assigned matters. As Marylands 47th Attorney General Anthony G. Brown leads the Office with a critical focus on equity justice and fairness.
GRADE
12
This position offers a salary range of $51580 - $72159 with potential for advancement up to $79673 over time based on longevity and increased responsibilities. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications experience equity and available budget and will not exceed $72159.
LOCATION OF POSITION
Department of Human Services
Carroll County Department of Social Services
1232 Tech Court
Westminster MD 21157
Main Purpose of Job
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is Marylands primary social services agency serving more than one million residents annually through its 24 local departments. DHS is responsible for setting statewide policy providing oversight and supporting local offices such as the Carroll County Department of Social Services (CCDSS). The CCDSS deliver critical services directly to the community. These services include child welfare adult protective services and support for vulnerable children and adults.
The Office of the Attorney General Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Paralegal to join the legal team at CCDSS. This position provides direct support to three Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) in a fast-paced mission-driven environment. The Paralegal plays a vital role in supporting legal proceedings related to Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) Adult Protective Services and Adult Guardianship. The role also includes support for administrative hearings involving child abuse neglect and other matters as well as handling records requests and related legal tasks.
POSITION DUTIES
This position requires a strong working knowledge of legal procedures documentation and court systems as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities with the AAGs with precision and efficiency. This collaborative environment encourages continuous learning and offers support from experienced and dedicated legal professionals making this a rewarding and challenging role for a dedicated Paralegal.
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft review and organize legal documents such as pleadings discovery materials filings and correspondence.
- Support attorneys in court preparation including the organization of exhibits and evidence and attend court when necessary.
- Prepare materials for mediations settlement conferences and court hearings
- Manage case files and databases ensuring documents are current organized and easily accessible.
- Assist in preparing reports presentations and summaries for internal and external use.
- Communicate with clients courts and third parties to gather information and relay updates.
- Monitor legal deadlines and ensure timely filings and submissions.
- As necessary perform investigation and review of information to obtain necessary documentation and summarize information for use in pending matters and make recommendations on releasing information according to statue or regulations to protect confidentiality.
- Perform legal research as directed by the Attorneys.
- Schedule meetings and maintain attorney calendars
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Three years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.
Notes:
1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.
2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.
3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:
- Associates degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university.
- A minimum of one year of experience using Odyssey File and Serve to file pleadings electronically.
- A minimum of one year of experience in electronic record redaction.
- A minimum of one year of experience preparing subpoenas.
LICENSES REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operators license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants who meet the minimum and selective qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and answer all supplemental questions. Please report all related education experience dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S. any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).
Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect/incomplete application forms will not be accepted. Please include start/end dates and detailed job duties for each work experience.
Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list for at least one year. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidizedhealth benefits (medical prescription dental and vision coverage) and lifeinsurance; leave including annual (vacation) personal sick and paidparental leave; and will be eligible for participation in a contributorydefined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. Stateemployees are eligible to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. TheState also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express busservices.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. Please upload a resume in addition to the on-line application. If the online application process is not available please send your paper application and supplemental questionnaire to or fax to . TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
If you have specific questions about recruitment email
The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race color religion or belief ancestry national origin age marital status sexual orientation gender identity and/or expression disability pregnancy family or parental status veteran status genetic information or any protected category prohibited by local State or federal laws.