Paralegal 3 - 00060359

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.  

What we offer.  Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.  

Start your career in public service. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Health, Law, and Policy is seeking candidates for the position of Paralegal. This position is located in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia 

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!

Pay Grade: I

Under broad supervision, provides assistance and coordination in case file creation, electronic entry, preparing and gathering documents to support legal proceedings, communication with agency staff and witnesses, preparation for administrative hearings, or to initiate legal or other administrative action. Drafts and prepares legal documents for review. Assists legal officers with scheduling hearings, appointments and interviews. Gathers and uploads mail and other legal correspondence into case management software and legal files in a timely manner.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to come into the office at least twice a week to process mail, which involves date-stamping, scanning and uploading legal correspondence into our case management software. 

• Assists attorneys with compiling and preparing legal documents such as subpoenas, briefs, pleadings, appeals, decisions, and certificates of service.
• Schedules and participates in hearings between parties as instructed by attorneys.
• May manage record retention program and/or special projects such as data entry of records into our new case management software . 
• Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas.
• Calls or contacts witnesses, attorneys, and other legal parties.
• Coordinates office activity, including delivery of subpoenas, and processing of mail. 
• Coordinates response to legal requests as instructed by attorneys.
• Gathers and analyzes data, statutes, decisions, legal articles, and documents.
• Investigates facts of cases, including evidence and/or applicable case law as needed to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
• Provides instruction and assistance in conducting legal research.
• Responds to outside inquiries, as authorized.
• Reviews legal correspondence and performs data base searches to identify information relevant to pending cases or issues.

• High school diploma/GED AND four (4) years of experience as a legal assistant in a legal environment;

OR

•  Certificate from a paralegal training program AND two (2) years of experience as a legal assistant in a legal environment; 

OR

•  One (1) year of experience required at the lower-level Paralegal 2 (LET031) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:  Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrate some or all the following education/skills/experience:

• Prior Experience working as a paralegal managing a large volume of cases, including prior experience with data entry. 

• Experience using Lexis-Nexis and/or Westlaw.

• Case preparation, gathering of documents, and experience with issuing/responding to subpoenas and/or requests for production of documents.
  
  

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

                   https://dhs.georgia.gov/  

Employment Information
  
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.
 
DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  
If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email the request by the closing date of this announcement to:  hrhelpline@dhs.ga.gov.
 
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.
  
DHS accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
  
As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
  
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring official for next steps in the selection process.  Only applicants who are selected and interviewed will receive notification.
  
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Salary : $40,695 - $58,412