Senior Paralegal (Research Assistant)

Senior Paralegal (Research Assistant) 
Child Protection Division                  

Opening Date:  January 9, 2025
Closing Date:  January 24, 2025   
Job Class Code: 0677
Grade: 1
Salary:  $47,174.40 - $65,832.00/Year  
*Pursuant to 5 MRS § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General
Position Number:  006000598

Bargaining Unit:  Professional and Technical Services Unit

Job Description:
The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a full-time (40 hours/week) paralegal position located in the Augusta Office. This individual will provide in-office support to Assistant Attorneys General in the Child Protection Division. Additionally, this position will directly support the Chief of the Division. 
Duties include:
•    Document preparation including disclosure petitions, pleadings, motions, proposed orders, subpoenas, and correspondence
•    Law Court Appendix Building and Appellate file keeping
•    Legal Research and analysis using Westlaw and other resources
•    Clifford Order and subpoena processing
•    Legal Custody Clearance review
•    Engagement with OCFS caseworkers, attorneys, witnesses, clerks and public on a variety of child welfare related matters
•    General and directed administrative support to Assistant Attorneys General, their administrative assistants, and the Chief of the Division
•    Calendar maintenance, meeting coordination and invitation management
•    Assistance with Division events including meetings and continuing education programs
•    Proofreading and editing documents
•    All other responsibilities assigned by the Division Chief
The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic about a career in a government setting and must be committed to child welfare. The ideal candidate must be self-directed but collaborative, highly organized, and efficient, with excellent writing and communication skills. The candidate must have proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and Adobe Acrobat. The candidate must be able to expertly communicate with the client, attorneys, administrative staff, witnesses, clerks and the public. 
Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience in the subject area of child welfare who have a demonstrable ability to assist attorneys with heavy and complicated caseloads. 
Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - OR - graduation from an approved, accredited paralegal program of instruction and one (1) year of paralegal experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. 
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter that highlights your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required. 
Include resume, writing sample, three references (to include one work-related reference), and complete online application.
The Department 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.
Please direct all questions to Assistant Attorney General, Division Chief Ariel Piers-Gamble
or you may call 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS
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 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, 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.  
•    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 ($350.40 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 is 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. Additional, 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 are Equal Opportunity employers. 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.