Paralegal
: Job Details :

Initial Posting Date:

12/19/2024

Application Deadline:

01/05/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,755 - $7,296

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Paralegal

Job Description:

* Note: this position will receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 6.55% which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The effective date of the increase is January 1, 2025, for February 1, 2025, paychecks.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The worksite for this position may be located in Hermiston, Boardman or Pendleton. The location is dependent on where the final candidate resides.

Opportunity awaits! Step into a role that combines legal knowledge with a passion for advocacy, supporting Child Welfare professionals in their mission to protect and serve! Make a difference while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule!

Summary of Duties

As an employee working within the Child Welfare Program, you will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Your dedication will help us achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation that will support children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma and achieve a greater well-being.

As a Paralegal, you will:

* Provide legal assistance under the supervision of a Child Welfare manager.

* Provide legal assistance of substantial difficulty to Child Welfare caseworkers and Department of Justice attorneys, assigned to represent Child Welfare on juvenile dependency court cases.

* Practice extensive knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and analytical skills.

* Use knowledge and skill in areas of law specific to ODHS Child Welfare.

* Support in reducing the cost of legal services to the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

* Two years associate degree in paralegal or legal assistant studies; OR

* Eighteen months of Paralegal experience; OR

* Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates experience in legal work, independent judgment, legal terminology principles, concepts, systems, and processes.

Experience must include discovery and trial methods and procedures, legal ethics and skill in preparing legal documents, interviewing witnesses and explaining legal issues.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

* Experience working in a court, legal or child welfare environment.

* Experience identifying, handling and securing confidential information and materials.

* Experience working with complex and technical documents and strict document formatting.

* Experience explaining processes, procedures, policies or decisions on behalf of an employer.

* Experience writing and reviewing documents for accuracy, content, grammar and punctuation.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Note: The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

Working Conditions

* This is an in-person position with a possibility of a hybrid work schedule depending on the completion of training.

* The incumbent will be required to train in person for the first six months, after which there may be an opportunity to transition to a hybrid work schedule.

* Your typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* On rare occasions, travel around the district will be required for the purpose of trainings and/or to attend court.

* On rare occasions, you may be required to work overtime to meet business needs.

Background Checks and Requirements

* If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

* The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

* Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

Benefits

* ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

* Cost of Living Adjustments.

* Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

* Amazing benefits package.

* Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans' preference:

* Veterans' preference information.

* How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

Malheur County preference:

* If your primary residence is in Malheur County, you may choose to receive 5 percent preference points. The application process includes a required question where you can indicate if you'd like to receive preference or not.

General Information

* This is a permanent, full-time position and is a Managment Service, Supervisory position and is not represented by a union.

* This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

* The recruiter for this position is Sugei Hernandez. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-171592

* Email: ...@odhs.oregon.gov

* Phone (call or text): 971-###-####