PARALEGAL II

Introduction


The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has the general charge, supervision, and direction of the State's legal business, acting as legal advisors and representatives of the major agencies, various boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of State Government. The OAG also protects the public by civil enforcement of antitrust, civil rights, consumer protection, and securities laws and regulations and by the prosecution of organized crime, Medicaid fraud, environmental crimes, insurance fraud, state tax evasion, and other statutorily assigned matters. As Maryland's 47th Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown leads the Office with a critical focus on equity, justice, and fairness.


GRADE


ASTD12


This position offers a salary range of $52,354 - $74,785 with potential for advancement up to $82,572 based on qualifications, equity, and hiring guidelines. Initial salary offers are determined by qualifications, experience, and available budget, and typically do not exceed $74,785.

LOCATION OF POSITION


Office of the Attorney General


Department Human Services


Dorchester and Somerset Counties- Department of Social Services

Dorchester Location:

2737 Dorchester Square


Cambridge, MD 21613


Somerset Location:


30397 Mt. Vernon Road


Princess Anne, Maryland 21853


Main Purpose of Job

The OAG is seeking applicants for a Paralegal II to support the legal department representing the Dorchester and Somerset County Departments of Social Services (DCDSS and SCDSS) within the Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS is Maryland's primary social services agency, serving more than one million residents annually through its 24 local departments. DHS is responsible for setting statewide policy, providing oversight, and supporting local offices, such as the DCDSS and SCDSS. The DCDSS and SCDSS deliver critical services directly to the community. These services include child welfare, adult protective services, and support for vulnerable children and adults.

The Paralegal will provide direct support to two Assistant Attorneys General AAG. This position plays a vital role in supporting legal proceedings related to Child in Need of Assistance CINA, Termination of Parental Rights TPR, Adult Protective Services, and Adult Guardianship. The role also includes support for administrative hearings involving child abuse, neglect, and other matters, as well as handling records requests and related legal tasks. This position will be jointly based at the Dorchester and Somerset County Departments of Social Services (DSS).

Note: The selected employee will divide their time between the two offices, with the schedule determined by case assignments and operational workload needs within each jurisdiction.

This collaborative environment encourages continuous learning and offers support from experienced and dedicated legal professionals, making this a rewarding and challenging role for a dedicated Paralegal.

POSITION DUTIES


Key responsibilities will be:
• Draft, review, and organize legal documents such as pleadings, discovery materials, filings, and correspondence.
• Support attorneys in court preparation, including the preparation and organization of exhibits and evidence and attend court when necessary.
• Monitor legal deadlines and ensure timely filings and submissions.
• Prepare materials for mediations, settlement conferences, and court hearings.
• Manage case files and databases, ensuring documents are current, organized, and easily accessible.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and summaries for internal and external use.
• Communicate with clients, courts, and third parties to gather information and relay updates.
• As necessary, perform investigation and review of information to obtain necessary documentation and summarize information for use in pending matters and make recommendations on releasing information according to statue or regulations to protect confidentiality.
• Perform redactions of documents to comply with state and federal confidentiality laws.
• Schedule meetings and maintain attorney calendars

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.


Experience: Three years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.


Notes: 1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.


2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.


3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.


4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.


DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications.
• Associate's degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience using MDEC to Serve to file pleadings electronically.
• Experience with Adobe Pro and electronic record redaction.
• Experience preparing subpoenas.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS


Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.


SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum and selective qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and answer all supplemental questions. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).


Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect/incomplete application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Employment Benefits: Working for the Office of the Attorney General offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health and well-being.

• Generous Leave:
  • Annual Leave: 10-25 days per year based on service.
  • Sick Leave: 15 days per year with unlimited carryover.
  • Personal Leave: Up to 6 days per year.
  • Paid Holidays: 12 state holidays.
  • Paid Family Leave: Provides at least 12 weeks of paid leave for personal medical needs, family caregiving, and qualifying military-related reasons.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Savings: Defined-benefit pension plan plus 401(k) and 457 supplemental retirement options.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible work schedules available for many roles.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Additional Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts, free mass transit (eligible areas), Employee Assistance Program, and access to SECU.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. Please upload a resume under the RESUME tab, in addition to the on-line application. If the online application process is not available, please send your paper application and supplemental questionnaire to View email address on click.appcast.io or fax to View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

If you have specific questions about recruitment, email View email address on click.appcast.io

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, religion or belief, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, pregnancy, family or parental status, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category prohibited by local, State or federal laws