Research Assistant MSEA-D

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented and compassionate Senior Paralegal to join our Child Support team in our Augusta office. In this position, you will play a vital role in supporting our Division Chief and two AAGs with active caseloads. This Senior Paralegal also serves as the direct supervisor of eight administrative support professionals in our Augusta, Portland, Bangor and Caribou Offices. This entails training and support as well as distributing workloads and planning coverage, directing and overseeing staff to meet the work goals of 9 AAGs and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures. If you enjoy meaningful work, thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in staying organized and helping others, we’d love to meet you. Our ideal candidate will be self-directed, highly organized and accurate to provide day-to-day support to our team of attorneys by drafting, proofreading and filing pleadings and correspondence. You will keep our schedules running seamlessly by managing calendars and court dates; organizing our case files with precision and care; and tracking deadlines. We are seeking a team player who can also work independently with confidence, someone who is proactive, dependable and solutions-focused, able to work with attorneys and staff at all levels and able to communicate professionally with the client, the public, co-workers and supervisors. A strong work ethic is imperative. We work in a supportive team atmosphere, with the potential for tele-work after an initial probationary period. The ideal candidate must be self-directed but collaborative, highly organized, and efficient, with excellent writing and communication skills. The candidate must have proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and Adobe Acrobat. The candidate must be able to expertly communicate with the client, attorneys, administrative staff, clerks and the public. Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience in the subject area of family law who have a demonstrable ability to assist attorneys with heavy and complicated caseloads.

Requirements

A Bachelors Degree and three (3) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - OR - an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
At least one year of experience directly supervising staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing coaching -OR- demonstrated progression of responsibility that includes mentoring, training, or directing the work of others.
Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and Adobe Acrobat.
Ability to expertly communicate with the client, attorneys, administrative staff, clerks and the public.
Strong work ethic.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in the subject area of family law.
Demonstrable ability to assist attorneys with heavy and complicated caseloads.
Experience supporting multiple attorneys in a law office setting.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products.

Responsibilities

Support the Division Chief and two AAGs with active caseloads.
Serve as the direct supervisor of eight administrative support professionals.
Provide training and support to administrative staff.
Distribute workloads and plan coverage for administrative staff.
Direct and oversee staff to meet the work goals of 9 AAGs.
Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.
Draft, proofread, and file pleadings and correspondence.
Manage calendars and court dates.
Organize case files with precision and care.
Track deadlines.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State contributes 13.29% of pay to MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave (for all employees welcoming a child)
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)