Paralegal

Salary: $45,300.00 - $61,100.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189749
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Central Office
Opening Date: 06/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE03
Position Number:: 60008519
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN08
Opening Date: 06/19/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education using verifiable dates.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities

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. Click 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
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


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 or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02


What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the Above

03


How many years of experience do you have providing administrative support for an attorney(s), a legal office, or the courts?

• None
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 6 to 9 years
• 10 or more years

04


Do you possess a paralegal certificate from an institution or a national paralegal certification?

• Yes, I have a paralegal certificate from an educational institution.
• Yes, I hold a national certification (e.g., Certified Paralegal, Advanced Certified Paralegal, Registered Paralegal).
• Yes, I have both an educational certificate and a national certification.
• None of the Above

Required Question