Paralegal

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Director’s Office, Office of Administrative Hearings.

 

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) adjudicates contested case hearings under federal regulations, the Montana Administrative Procedures Act, and the Administrative Rules of Montana for all programs administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).  This position provides a variety of paralegal and administrative assistance to the Administrative Law Judges, department staff, the Board of Public Assistance, and the public. 

 

Why Join DPHHS

 

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

 

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

 

• Knowledge of legal procedures.

• Knowledge of administrative law and administrative hearings process.

• Knowledge of legal formatting requirements.

• Knowledge of legal research.

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical practices.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including proper legal citations, legal terminology, and business-like telephone etiquette.

• Strong attention to details, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems.

• Ability to proficiently multi-task operating a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheet, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.

• Ability to maintain accuracy and high attention to detail while working in a high passed environment.

• Ability to effectively work as part of a team and adapt to the changing needs of the office.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

  • Associates degree in paralegal studies from an accredited institution or

  • Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university; or

  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university and completion of no less than 18 semester credits of course work offered by a qualified paralegal studies program; or

  • Certification by the national association of legal assistants or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; or

  • Has received a high school diploma or its equivalent and has performed not less than 4,800 hours of substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed lawyer documented by the certification of the lawyer or lawyers under whom the work was done and has completed at least five hours of approved continuing legal education in the area of legal ethics and professional responsibility; or

  • Has graduated from an accredited law school and has not been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law by any jurisdiction.

  • Two years job-related experience.

  • Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

How to Apply

 

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Resume
• References

 

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

 

Additional Information

 

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

 

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.