Location: Augusta, ME,None,None
Senior Paralegal/Supervisor (Research Assistant)
Child Protection Division
Opening Date: December 12, 2024
Closing Date: December 30, 2024
Job Class Code: 0186
Grade: 1
Salary: $54,579.20 - $77,459.20/year*
*Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General
Supervisory Bargaining Unit
Position # 006000596
JOB DESCRIPTION
This paralegal provides support to Child Protection Assistant Attorneys General in the Augusta Office. This work includes preparing Law Court Appendices in Child Protection cases on appeal as well as Petitions for Disclosure Order for records, together with investigative subpoenas, proposed orders, and transmittal correspondence.
This paralegal assists in the “legal clearance” process by reviewing document packets prepared by the DHHS/OCFS and identifying and correcting issues prior to AAG approval. This paralegal also processes Clifford Orders for DHHS/OCFS records and caseworker subpoenas. This paralegal may also draft, as assigned by AAGs in the Augusta Office, any pleadings, motions, orders and memoranda of law. This paralegal assists in legal research and trial preparation as directed. Trial preparation may include organizing discovery, preparing exhibits and trial notebooks, as well as witness subpoenas. This paralegal assists AAGs in obtaining outside counsel for children in DHHS custody charged with juvenile offenses.
This paralegal serves as the direct supervisor of five administrative support professionals in the Augusta Office. This entails training and support as well as distributing workloads and planning coverage. This paralegal also may conduct training for OCFS staff and other administrative professionals as needed.
This paralegal will provide direct support to the Chief of Child Protection, which may include drafting correspondence, pleadings, and legislative testimony, engaging with constituents, as well as orgainizing division meetings and CLE programs.
The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic about a career in a government setting and must be committed to child welfare. The ideal candidate must be self-directed but collaborative, highly organized, and efficient, with excellent writing and communication skills. The candidate must have proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and Adobe Acrobat. The candidate must be able to expertly communicate with the client, attorneys, administrative staff, witnesses, clerks and the public.
Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience in the subject area of child welfare who have a demonstrable ability to assist attorneys with heavy and complicated caseloads.
Information on the Office of the Attorney General
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelors Degree and two (2) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - OR - graduation from an approved, accredited paralegal program of instruction and one (1) year of paralegal experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter that highlights your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Include resume, writing sample, three references (to include one work-related reference and complete the direct hire application.
The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.
Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.
Please direct all questions to Assistant Attorney General, Division Chief Ariel Piers-Gamble
or you may call 207-626-8800.
BENEFITS
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85% - 95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
