Paralegal Assistant

The incumbent may not be a member of a Department labor organization, nor is this position covered by any Collective Bargaining Unit.

To successfully perform the essential functions of the position, the incumbent must meet and maintain the minimum standards listed below:

a. Possess an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies or an Associate Degree in another concentration and hold or be in the process of obtaining a Paralegal Certificate;

b. A minimum of five years’ experience working as a paralegal, legal assistant or claims manager;

c. Possess computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency in Word, Power Point or other slideshow software, Excel or other spreadsheet software, and using the Internet and other resources necessary to conduct investigations to assess the validity and value of claims made against the Department and Department members.

d. Presentation of a positive, polite and helpful image to the public and members of the Department and outside agencies is critical;

e. Possess a pro‑active approach to problem solving and independent decision‑making without the necessity of extensive oversight or micro‑management;

f. Attention to detail and excellent organizational, prioritization and time‑management skills.

Incumbent will be required to complete post offer, pre‑employment testing per Department Policy.

Physical Requirements

Must have the ability to lift, carry and transport files, up to and including full banker sized boxes (up to 25 lbs.).

Essential Job Functions

1. Investigate, research, and verify claims for damages made against the Department and Department members. This includes, for example, gathering and analyzing records, speaking with the claimant or claimant’s representative or insurance company, communicating with Department members, and preparing written responses for each claim. Document all claims in separate, organized files and maintain such files. Prepare recommendations for the OGC attorneys regarding whether each claim is valid,

whether each should be paid, and if a claim should be paid, the amount of such payment. Prepare written releases, agreements and other documentation regarding the payment of claims. Work with the Financial Services Unit to ensure payment checks are prepared timely and distributed to the payees.

2. Prepare and file civil lawsuits prosecuted on behalf of the Department. This includes, for example, preparing a recommendation for the OGC attorneys regarding the value of the Department’s lost property, preparation of written pleadings, collecting and analyzing case‑related records, creating and maintaining a file for each lawsuit, electronic filing of pleadings with the court, contacting Department members and other persons who may have information relevant to the lawsuit, preparing exhibits for court hearings, and attending court with OGC attorneys.

3. Undertake collection efforts, to include for example, preparation and filing of garnishment actions, to recoup damages awarded by the courts as a result of the civil lawsuits more fully described in paragraph 2 herein.

4. Negotiate with representatives of private insurance companies as a result of claims involving Department members.

5. Receive, route, handle or assist in handling various requests, inquiries, and other complaints or communications to the OGC or referrals from other Department elements or outside agencies.

6. Prepare routine correspondence and handle other administrative tasks, as assigned, for the Board, Board Attorney and Board members.

7. Perform general administrative/executive assistant functions for the OGC and Board including, for example, word processing, filing, updating the OGC library, ordering/stocking/maintaining/keeping in good order the OGC supplies, directing phone calls, taking and relaying messages, and logging and distribution of mail for the members of the OGC.

8. Assist the Board of Police Commissioners Assistant on an as‑needed basis, for example, providing coverage during vacation periods or assisting the Law Clerk with records requests made pursuant to the Missouri “Sunshine Law,” Chapter 610 RSMo.

9. Prepare and submit to the Missouri Department of Labor the responses for protested unemployment compensation claims/hearings.

10. Prepare and generate reports as requested by the OGC attorneys, for example, monthly risk/loss reports indicating the amounts paid by the Department to compromise and settle motor vehicle accident claims, other types of claims against the Department, and payments related to Department members’ workers compensation claims; annual reports for workers’ compensation audits; and annual reports submitted to the State of Missouri related to workers’ compensation.

11. Input and generate information in the Department’s risk management database such as tracking collections and payments related to compromising and settling claims made by or against members of the public.

12. Assist outside counsel retained to defend the Board, Department, Command Staff and other members who are sued in civil lawsuits, including for example, collecting and preparation of exhibits, identifying and communicating with defendants and other persons, attending depositions and hearings, and attending and assisting the outside attorneys at trial.

13. Maintain reliable and predictable attendance. May be required to work flexible hours when the need arises.

14. The ability to read, write, hear and speak the English language is required.

15. Excellent communication, typing, proof‑reading, and organizational skills are required.