Job Description

Posting number: 191260

Department: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division: Central Office

Job classification: Senior Paralegal

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Professional, Miscellaneous, Office and Administrative Support

Join our Team
The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is seeking a Senior Paralegal to join us in our mission to enhance the lives of those we serve. Explore a career where your work directly impacts the well-being of your fellow South Carolinians.

Job Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel this position performs specialized and complex paralegal work for the agency. Conducts initial case assessments, reviews legal documents, and conducts legal research into complex issues. Acts as the point of contact with Outside Counsel to provide assistance with discovery requests and interrogatories. Assists the Office of the General Counsel in drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents to be filed with the court:

• Assists the General Counsel and all attorneys with administrative tasks, including collecting documents and records, drafting legal memorandums, and coordinating meetings. Coordinates with all departments across all offices to include the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, and the Office of Substance Use Services.
• Assists staff attorneys with all Judicial Admissions and Forensic matters to include scheduling hearings, drafting orders, and submitting all relevant documents to attorneys, judges, and other court personnel.
• Conducts legal research as assigned. Assists with case management (litigation log), including seeking appropriate approval, compiling and redacting documents, and coordinating with all relevant parties.
• Uses existing files and a variety of other legal research resources to prepare reports. Identifies relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent materials. Evaluates information collected to be used to answer any department questions.
• Performs a variety of routine secretarial and clerical work, including answering phones, typing, emailing, and copying/scanning. Transmits all messages in a timely manner without delay. Keeps all documentation filed and confidential.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the General Counsel and other staff attorneys.

Examples of duties

A high school diploma or GED and five (5) years of paralegal experience or an Associate's degree in paralegal studies and a paralegal certificate. Knowledge and experience working with attorneys and judges at a state agency, law firm, or the courts.

Qualifications

Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and organizational functions. Knowledge of legal research techniques and legal data base software. Knowledge of legal communication principles and practices. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to perform legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions as to methods or approach, source material available, and policy and precedent of the office.

Supplemental information

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)