Legal Assistant II - DORA: PUC Hybrid

Hybrid Workplace Arrangement: 

Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business needs.  

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission. 

• Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail. 

• Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more! 

• Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.

• Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.

• Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.

• Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating energy and water utilities and facilities, telecommunications, transportation, gas pipeline safety, and rail and transit safety so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of our state. This requires balancing the needs of customers and the afore mentioned regulated entities. The Administrative Hearings Section exists to conduct hearings and issue written decisions on contested public utility matters pending before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission as required by §40-2-104 and §40-6-101 et seq., C.R.S.

Position: SGA 5194

This position is responsible for facilitation and uses technical resources in hearings before the Commission and Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), and it relies upon both technical expertise and thorough understanding of legal processes. The position operates electronic recording equipment and manages exhibits during hearings to create an official record of the proceeding in lieu of a hearing reporter, per § 40-6-109, C.R.S.

Outside of hearings, this position manages internal processes for sizable, complex, or non-routine open records requests with the deputy director - policy and external affairs. The position acts as a backup to the Decisions Editor by preparing draft decisions for judges and commissioners which are represented by the counsel. The position completes legal research and completes writing assignments as a law clerk for ALJs. To assist in the management of hearings for Commissioners and ALJs, the position trains staff members and public hearing participants regarding the availability and uses of hearing resources.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting day-to-day operations of technology used during a hearing to ensure a reliable and effective operation;
• Facilitating, applying, and using technical resources available in hearing rooms, including current systems without limitation for webcasting, displaying of information and exhibits, audio, video, and teleconference sessions (i.e. scheduling, troubleshooting, configuring equipment, and initiating calls as well as staying on hand to monitor equipment);
• Managing and coordinating services, internally and externally, for people in all Commission hearing rooms throughout hearing processes and meetings;
• Coordinating with the Chief ALJ or designee to develop and provide training, and presentations in a learning format independently or as a co-trainer/facilitator;
• Collecting evaluations at the closing of training, compiling results, providing reports on training effectiveness, and making recommendations;
• Presenting before the presiding official in charge of each proceeding in accordance with the assignments made by the Chief ALJ or administrator;
• Identifying, tracking, and maintaining notes and exhibits through and after hearings;
• Preparing and readying for filing hearing reports and exhibits and maintaining recordings;
• Documenting and tracking all dates relevant to public records requests; corresponding with parties who are requesting public records, including questions regarding the scope and relevance of a request; preparing written cost estimates in connection with public records requests; collaborating with agency personnel to ascertain the volume and nature of responsive records;
• Performing or coordinating the redaction of confidential, exempt, and sensitive information upon the advice of counsel or consistent with policies and procedures;
• Analyzing and organizing materials and conveying supported conclusions to the assigning ALJ;
• Drafting decisions on projects as assigned, in a format consistent with the PUC’s standards manual, for modification or completion by an ALJ;
• Working as a backup to the Decisions Editor, as needed, to finalize formatting and proofread decisions in red-line format for the author (the Decisions Editor, among other responsibilities, ensures the accuracy of Commission decisions before issuance as well as consistency with the ‘Commission’s voice,’ Commission rules, and previous decisions);
• Drafting a certificate of service required for each decision based upon the procedural posture of the proceeding; AND
• Reviewing existing Microsoft Office templates, interfaces, and instructions utilized by the Administrative Hearings Section, identifying areas of improvement for existing templates as well as opportunities for new templates to automate repetitive tasks; and implementing improvements to existing templates and drafting new templates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution; AND
• One (1) year of full-time professional* paralegal experience, which must include all of the following:
  • Conducting legal research; 
  • Gathering, analyzing, and compiling data from legal references and resources;
  • Preparing drafts of legal documents by formatting, proofreading, and editing; 
  • Experience analyzing documents for completeness, correctness, and/or compliance with laws, rules, policies, and procedures.

• Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate.
• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate.

• Has a Juris Doctorate degree;
• Has experience as a courtroom clerk;
• Demonstrated experience utilizing general PC software applications, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Google drive, Google forms, Google sheets, etc.); 
• Demonstrated case management experience, including managing multiple cases and utilizing case management databases;
• Demonstrated experience assisting with hearing room equipment, including audio, video, and teleconference technology;
• Demonstrated experience using software and technical resources to scope, identify, organize, and redact documents;
• Demonstrated experience developing presentation of evidence for administrative or judicial hearings;
• Demonstrated experience working in the state government agency, in the division of public utilities, and/or law firm;
• Demonstrated experience working in a high-stress, fast-paced, high-profile environment, and adapting to shifting priorities;
• Paralegal experience, which includes conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources;
• Experience creating training manuals for internal and/or external customers, including adjusting materials to fit participant needs; 
• Experience designing and developing trainings/presentations either independently or as a co-trainer/facilitator; 
• Demonstrated experience using software to identify, organize, and redact documents;
• Demonstrated experience electronically editing the written work product of various authors for stylistic consistency.

• Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;
• Demonstrated attention to detail in order to analyze and revise documents;
• Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate evidence and applicable information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
• Demonstrated prioritization and time management skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and managing work assignments;
• Customer service, including the ability to diplomatically interact with difficult customers, build relationships, and maintain communication with stakeholders;
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to review and analyze information in order to recommend solutions;
• Flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to multi-task effectively by managing competing and constantly changing priorities to meet tight deadlines, and the ability to adapt to changing work environment;
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders;
• Ability to represent the department and the PUC in a positive, professional, and objective manner, and support a positive workplace environment;
• Knowledge of and/or ability to ensure compliance with the Public Utility Law and Administrative Procedures Act (APA);
• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
• Demonstrated technical aptitude;
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business needs and scheduled by the supervisor;
• Integrity and high ethical standards;
• Accountability, reliability, including attendance;
• Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;
• Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of the supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated professional demeanor;
• Knowledge and understanding of the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Doc’s, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, etc).

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
  • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, etc.
  • The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor.
• This position requires the ability to travel up to 3% of the time, including traveling overnight and staying out over weekends when required.
• Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination.
  • Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

PLEASE READ - Required Application Materials

Interested individuals must submit the following online:

1. A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2. A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from info@governmentjobs.com and ‘@state.co.us’ addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review

Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Veterans’ Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans’ Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE: Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application.  Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness.  Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates. 

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

ADAAA Accommodations: DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at dora_adacoordinator@state.co.us.

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work. 

Check out our excellent benefits package!

Appeal Rights: 

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.