Paralegal

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 (DCS):

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indianas most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:

Mission : Champion Indianas future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision : Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

The Paralegal serves as the agencys Access to Public Records Act (APRA) Coordinator. In this role, you will manage incoming records requests, track and document inquiries, gather responsive information, and issue approved responses. You will also provide administrative and legal support to the Contracts Division, Deputy General Counsel, and General Counsel, including managing calendars, retrieving records, coordinating across agency divisions, and assisting with additional tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate is selfmotivated, detailoriented, and comfortable working in a fastpaced environment. Strong writing, reading, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Responsibilities include:

• Researches and analyzes statues, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
• Drafts correspondence and legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; file motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Calls clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions. This may also include interviewing clients and witnesses and prepare summaries of their statements.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings, handling exhibits, taking notes, or reviewing trial transcripts.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, and other items.

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.

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong investigative and research skills
• Proficient computer skills required, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, case management and legal data base tools.
• Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage time to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required. However, a certification in paralegal studies from an accredited paralegal program plus at least 2 years of paralegal experience experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role will be considered.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at ... .