Legal Assistant

State of Indiana•Elkhart, IN

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Assistant provides paralegal and administrative support to local and agency attorneys in the Department of Child Services. The role organizes, processes, and maintains records related to DCS cases and may provide legal research, clerical support, and reporting. It supports legal risk mitigation and compliance with legal requirements. The position is based in the Elkhart, Indiana, DCS Office and supports staff in Elkhart County and surrounding counties as needed. The Legal Assistant supports attorneys and legal divisions; performs legal research under the direction of staff counsel or an administrative law judge; assists at depositions and hearings; prepares and processes legal documents; handles correspondence and inquiries; schedules hearings and appointments; travels to hearing sites to arrange materials and equipment; and maintains legal databases, libraries, documents, and case files. Duties may change or be assigned according to agency needs.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to handle sensitive documents and agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required; a high school diploma or high school equivalent (HSE) and experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Responsibilities

Manage court dockets and the office legal calendar.
Send calendar invitations and schedule hearing dates, sites, appointments, and case staff meetings.
Draft, prepare, proofread, or process legal documents for attorney review, including summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements.
Ensure legal documents are filed timely and assist with meeting legal deadlines.
Mail court reports to parties, mail subpoenas, and deliver legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials by mail, fax, or other arrangements.
Compile and redact discovery and request legal documents for trial.
Maintain legal data, database systems, the client case management system, documents, and case files.
Distribute orders to agency representatives.
Perform legal research under the direction of staff counsel or an administrative law judge.
Assist at depositions and hearings by taking notes, providing follow-up questions to attorneys, and tracking documents.
Respond to inquiries about current hearings from attorneys, legislators, or clients by telephone, email, or correspondence.
Travel to hearing sites and set up the site, materials, and equipment.
Organize and maintain law libraries.
Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal divisions.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies, including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.