MCE Paralegal

Who We Are:

Since 1946, we’ve been providing compassionate treatment to support the behavioral, physical and emotional health of children and families, where the needs of each child are individually assessed and dynamic treatment plans are specifically designed to properly transition them from disruptive to permanent, stable environments. Our services include community-based services, residential treatment, and treatment foster care programs throughout our locations in central and northeast Ohio and West Virginia.

Working at The Village Network:

• The Village Network prides itself on a Culture of Care: Come be a part of the mission and a member of a team that has a passion for what they do and the people they serve.
• Excellent safety record and training program. The Village Network utilizes Collaborative Problem Solving along with The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to addresses the individual needs of youth and their families.
• Competitive salaries and great benefits including a 403(b) plan with both a 5% company contribution and 50% match of the first 7% after 1 year of service.
• 192 hours (YES 24 DAYS!) of PTO offered in the first year in addition to 6 paid holidays for fulltime employees with potential for PTO buy back for unused time.
• 11-year history of providing annual bonuses, as well as offering PTO Buybacks.
• Advancement Opportunities: The village network is a growing organization and we aim to promote from within.

Job Title:                    MCE Paralegal

Reports To:                MCE Program Director or Associate Director of Support Services (Direct)

                                    MCE Attorney (Indirect)

Summary:

The MCE Paralegal will assist the MCE Attorney in the completion of child welfare related legal work. This will include providing clerical support, legal research, document preparation, interviewing and scheduling of witnesses and caseworkers, and trial preparation.

Essential Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, routine complaints and motions, and other documents for the MCE Attorney
• File motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures
• Schedule meetings, case reviews, and interviews of caseworkers and other professionals involved in the child welfare cases assigned to the MCE
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files which include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, and other items
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings
• Maintains a case log to ensure that motions, complaints, and other court documents are filed timely and in accordance with child welfare legal statutes
• Assists in ensuring that legal service is complete
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Associates degree in paralegal studies plus three (3) years’ experience; Bachelor’s degree and/or certification as a OSBA Certified Paralegal highly preferred
• Experience in family law, child welfare, and juvenile law strongly preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal and time management skills.

• Be culturally competent; ability to work respectfully and effectively with people of all cultures, classes, races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, ages and appearances in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each.

• Ability to use a computer, proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel, and an online case record system. Familiarity with SACWIS preferred
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License and maintains a driving record that allows that individual to be insurable with the insurance company providing The Village Network with vehicle insurance.