Secretary/Paralegal Combination (Research Assistant)

Caribou , Maine , United States | Administrative and Office Support | Full-time

Apply by: March 6, 2025

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Secretary/Paralegal Combination (Research Assistant)

Child Support and Child Protection Divisions

Opening Date: February 20, 2025

Closing Date: March 6, 2025

Job Class Code: 0677

Grade: 1

Salary: $41,267.20 - $57,179.20/year

Bargaining Unit: MSEA-B, Pro-Tech

Position #006000577

Job Description:

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a full-time (40 hours/week) Legal Secretary/Paralegal position in our Caribou office, Child Protection and Child Support Divisions. This individual will provide highly-skilled administrative support for heavy litigation caseloads and possess knowledge of legal processes, procedures, and terminology for purposes of performing research involving state and federal law and regulation and preparing technically sound legal documents. This position supports two full-time Assistant Attorneys General and reports directly to the AAG Office Manager.

Responsibilities include:

• Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite products for word processing, email, data entry, calendaring and spreadsheets

• Processing incoming and outgoing mail – electronic and printed

• Organizing, copying, and scanning documents

• Opening case files/closing and archiving cases

• Entering case data into databases

• Preparing pleadings, motions, orders and memoranda of law

• Proofreading legal documents

• Tracking large caseloads, keeping an accurate calendar of all scheduled court events and informing attorneys of deadlines and necessary appearances

• Reviewing, analyzing and responding to referrals provided by DHHS

• Providing litigation support to busy trial attorneys with legal research and file management

• Corresponding with DHHS employees, internal and external legal counsel, the courts, and other professionals

• Applying Maine Law, including Title 19-A, Title 22, Maine Rules of Civil Procedure and Family Division Rules

• Researching, compiling and analyzing complex information to reach a conclusion and/or make recommendations

• Managing witness subpoenas and drafting responsive documents

• Assisting with appeals to the Maine Law Court.

• Any and all other responsibilities assigned by the Division Chiefs and the Office Manager

The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic about a career in child-welfare, family law, and working in a government setting. The candidate must be self-directed, motivated, flexible, highly organized, efficient, and produce an accurate and quality written work product. It is essential that the candidate have excellent interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and operate as part of a team. Strong work ethic and respect for client confidentiality is imperative.

Information on the Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS

Bachelor’s Degree, paralegal certification, and/or at least two (2) years of experience as a paralegal supporting multiple attorneys in a law office setting. Minimum education qualifications may be met by an acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products.

Application Instructions

If you are interested in applying, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Include resume, writing sample, three references (to include one work-related reference) and complete online direct hire application.

The OAG 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

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Please direct all questions to Child Protection Division Chief Ariel Gannon or Child Support Division Chief Debby Willis at 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

Maine state employees 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. 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 ($387.92 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 – 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. Additionally, 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 is an Equal Opportunity employer. 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.