Office Manager (Legal Administrator)

Maine Commission on Public Defense 

Office Manager (Legal Administrator) 

Parents Counsel Division 

Opening Date: April 3, 2025

Job Class Code: 0885
Grade: 25
Salary: $ 57,408.00 – $81,078.40/Annually 
Position Number: 146000022

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill an Office Manager position for the Parents’ Counsel Division based in Augusta. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent parents whose children have been taken into custody or are at risk of being taken into custody by the State, and who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Parents’ Counsel Division is a new division and will be comprised of three parents’ counsel attorneys, in addition to the Division Chief. It is anticipated that the division will grow to include additional attorneys, case workers, paralegals, and other support staff. The Legal Administrator will function as the Office Manager and will supervise paralegal staff and assist the Division Chief, as directed.

The Legal Administrator works as part of a team to ensure a functioning and organized work environment and may communicate with a wide network of court officials, DHHS caseworkers and personnel, law enforcement, legal and social agencies, jail and prison officials, as well as clients and their family members. Proficiency is required in word processing, legal document preparation, document management, record keeping, data management, file management, calendar management, and a variety of communications. This position is a full-time, confidential employee position and will report to the Division Chief.

This position supports parent attorneys located across the State, so organization and attention to detail is critical. The ideal candidate must be self-directed and have the ability to work efficiently and independently.  The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.  It is essential that the successful candidate works well as part of a team and adapts well to rapid changes in a fast-paced legal environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelors Degree and four (4) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - or - an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess 3+ years working in an administrative support role in a law firm, court or legal services setting, and who show a history of increasing responsibilities, including supervision of others.

For questions about this position, please contact Executive Director Jim Billings at jim.billings@maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

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 Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. 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. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.