What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at The State of Kansas?
Required documents including transcripts (if educational requirements are listed for this position) must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Legal Division
Northeast Region / Topeka Service Center
- Who can apply: External
- Classified/Unclassified Service: Classified
- Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
- Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
- Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
- Search Keywords: Legal, Legal Assistant, Paralegal, Topeka, Shawnee
- Health Insurance including medical; dental; vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost)
- Creation of and contribution to your, personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
- 9-10 paid, annual holidays
- 12 paid, annual vacation days
- 12 paid, annual sick days
- 1 paid Discretionary Day
- Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary
- This benefits package represents additional annual compensation.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF. You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community. Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose!
Work involves performing a variety of para-professional legal and clerical duties as assigned by the East Region Lead Attorney in legal matters of DCF. This includes performing legal research or investigating facts for attorney, maintenance of a calendar system, preparation of standard motions, orders and pleadings, preparation of standard discovery documents, and para-professional trial assistance in litigation as well as writing opinions on researched legal cases and reports as to their pertinence in specific situations. Legal Assistant provides attorney with support regarding administrative or legal tasks on daily basis. Please refer to the full position description for a more complete list of duties and responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications: Six months experience as a legal assistant, paralegal or legal secretary. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in responsible administrative assistance position, preferably legal in nature, and the ability to make independent decisions and resolve problems and concerns without supervision. Effective communication and computer experience are essential. Experience with agency databases. Notary Public; Knowledge of legal terminology; Knowledge of legal concepts and practices; Knowledge of legal research techniques and practices Ability to follow written and oral instructions; Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public Ability to understand the legal code of ethics; Ability to review facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at well-reasoned conclusions; Ability to review investigative reports and apply prescribed laws and regulations; Ability to edit and correct pleadings and correspondence without prompts from attorneys
Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
- Security Clearance: A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child/Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check. Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF. Must maintain security clearance throughout employment.
- Tax Clearance: Candidates offered employment in a State of Kansas position will need to apply for a Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days of being offered a position. For more information, visit the KDOR Tax Clearance Request Information page.
- First Sign in or register as a New User.
- Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
- Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
- Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
- Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
- Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
- Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
- Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
- State of Kansas online application
- Resume
- Cover letter
-
Transcripts** (if educational requirements are listed for this position)
**If degree is a requirement listed, transcript must show proof of graduation or degree obtained. - DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
- Required documents must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference at the following link: Disability Hiring Preference | Kansas Department of Administration (ks.gov)
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
E-Verify: DCF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Salary : $37,981
