Child Welfare Legal Assistant

CLOSING DATE: 1/30/2026 @ 5:00pm

ANNUAL SALARY: $47,562 - $52,093 *Additional salary growth available through regular increases within the classification up to $65,679

JOB SUMMARY

Provide support to three Assistant State’s Attorneys working on Civil Child Welfare cases.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Paralegal degree or certificate.

May substitute similar work in law office for education.

Knowledge of multiple computer programs such as: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Odyssey, and Adobe Pro.

Must be able to prioritize, multi-task, and possess an ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced atmosphere. Identify what problems need immediate attention by the attorneys and when to interrupt the attorneys and get input on problems.

Office Skills: Filing, copying, phones, scanning, ability to work with client and witnesses, excellent communication and inter-personal skills.

Must be able to maintain confidentiality of all materials reviewed.  Must be able to maintain professionalism while being exposed to written descriptions, photographs and other visual and auditory depiction of injuries and/or abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) of children.

 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED  

Prefer two years of college in pre-law, legal assistant or paralegal and two years of experience.  Experience may substitute for educational requirement.

Must be Notary eligible.

 

JOB DUTIES

Document receipt of digital documents/affidavits requesting Shelter Care Placement or Petitions.  Open office files on approved cases.  Submit proposed orders for filing petitions.  Obtain signed Orders and scheduling information from Clerk of Court. Initiate/open cases in Odyssey file system.  File moving documents in Odyssey.  Prepare and secure personal service of petitions. Maintain statistics.  Redact documents for discovery responses.  Prepare subpoenas and related motions for securing testimony and documents from witnesses.  Prepare exhibits.  Prepare files for trial, including identifying, organizing, and managing discovery and witnesses. Maintain regular communication with clients, legal offices (primarily defense attorneys) for hearing scheduling and discovery exchange.  Coordinate with court and clerk personnel for scheduling appearances.  Prepare and file motions.  File default Judgments.  Provide in-court assistance to attorneys during trial.  Order and Maintain Office Supplies.   Regular attendance is required.

 

Cass County Government is an Equal Opportunity and At Will Employer.