Legal Assistant

Salary: $40,086.00 - $54,162.00 Annually
Location : Charleston County, SC
Job Type: Temporary - Full-Time
Job Number: 192597
Agency: Department of Social Services
Division: Child Support Enforcement
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE01
Position Number:: 61160907
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN07
Hiring Range - Min.: $40,086.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $54,162.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from DSS Human Resources will be made through electronic mail, unless otherwise indicated.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Do you have a passion to provide meaningful contributions to your community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of South Carolina's children, families, and vulnerable adults? If so, the SC Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you!

Job Duties:

• The Legal Assistant is responsible for the preparation of Child Support Cases for Family Court; performance of activities in Court; the follow-up on these cases, including parent locate and processing of interstate cases; and is responsible for providing general child support services to clients as required or needed.

• Prepares cases for court by verifying pleadings, affidavits, and notarizing court documents; schedule hearings, files papers with the Clerk of Court, utilizes Palmetto Automated Child Support System (PACSS).

• Assists attorney in court; negotiates support amounts, complete form orders - support orders, genetic test agreements, continuances, contempt, and special orders.

• Maintains control of assigned caseload; follow agency policies and procedures, handle correspondence, prepare orders, review and modify orders, close cases, maintain case records and document all activities.

• Provides internal and external customer service (e.g.; respond to emails, OnBase mail, phone calls, facsimiles, etc.) within 48 hours if schedule permits.

• Communicate and coordinate with Clerks of Court, Intergovernmental child support agencies, and other units within the Child Support Services Division; coordinate enforcement of support obligations, coordinate intrastate and interstate genetic testing including scheduling and follow-up.

• Conducts interviews with custodial parents for intergovernmental cases, and other cases as necessary. Monitor and keep up with intergovernmental cases and keep other states advised of activities.

• Ensure personally identifying information (PII) is properly used, accessed, gathered, shared, and disposed; protect agency networks and applications by safeguarding system, equipment, and data.

• Performs Red Cross shelter duty or other emergency shelter duty/services as directed. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


A High School Diploma and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment.

An Associate's Degree or higher may be substituted for related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications


Completion of paralegal courses and/or a paralegal certificate.

Additional Comments


This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety. A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application. If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.

Must have a valid driver's license and access to motor vehicle. Ability to enter information into computer. Must have a high tolerance for noise or irate clients. Must be able to travel to attend regional and/or state meetings and training.

If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

DIVISION: Child Support Enforcement / Charleston County
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


Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from any job? If yes, please explain.
02


I understand that supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation will result in disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. If there are periods of time when you were not employed, you must also list those periods on your employment application. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application. The employment application may be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded. I have read and acknowledge the above.

• Yes
• No

03


I understand that by completion and submission of this application, that if I possess educational credentials that qualify me for the available position(s) and in the event I am offered a position with the SC Department of Social Services, I will be required to provide a certified official transcript within two (2) weeks of employment

• Yes
• No

04


If you selected "Yes" that you are a veteran in the Agency-Wide Questions, are you able to provide a Member 4, Service 2-Copy, or NGB22 DD-214?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina? If yes, please provide the state agency/agencies.
06


How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• HR Recruiter
• DSS Employee
• DSS Internship
• Careers Website
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• SCWORKS
• College/University Job Portal
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Radio/TV/Billboard
• Other

07


If you selected "Other" or "DSS Employee" in the previous question, please list the source below.
08


Have you completed an internship with the SC Department of Social Services?

• Yes
• No

09


Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

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

Required Question