Paralegal

Paralegal Position

Join Our Team The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is seeking a 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 general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel this position:

• Assists with administrative tasks, including: collecting documents and records, drafting legal documents, coordinating meetings, and communicating directly with the courts – acting as a "court liaison", as well as coordinating with other division across BHDD as it relates to General Counsel matters.
• Performs a variety of routine secretarial and clerical work, including: answering the phones, typing, and ordering supplies.
• Conducts extensive legal research. Creates reports and documents for attorneys. Assists with cases to include being responsible for the preparation, summarization, and the interpretation of legal documents and pleadings.
• Utilizes existing files and a variety of other legal research resources to prepare information for pending cases. Identifies relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent materials. Evaluates information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
• Completes Freedom of Information requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as well as records requests.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

This position is located at the BHDD Central Office, located in Cayce, SC.

Minimum and Additional Requirements A high school diploma and two (2) years of experience in providing administrative support for an attorney(s), a legal office, or the courts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications A Paralegal Certificate or an Associate degree in paralegal studies. 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.

Additional Comments 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. 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 )