Senior Paralegal

Salary: $52,100.00 - $70,300.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191260
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Central Office
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE05
Position Number:: 60008281
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN09
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 Senior 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 the general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel this position performs specialized and complex paralegal work for the agency. Conducts initial case assessments, reviews legal documents, and conducts legal research into complex issues. Acts as the point of contact with Outside Counsel to provide assistance with discovery requests and interrogatories. Assists the Office of the General Counsel in drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents to be filed with the court:

• Assists the General Counsel and all attorneys with administrative tasks, including collecting documents and records, drafting legal memorandums, and coordinating meetings. Coordinates with all departments across all offices to include the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, and the Office of Substance Use Services.
• Assists staff attorneys with all Judicial Admissions and Forensic matters to include scheduling hearings, drafting orders, and submitting all relevant documents to attorneys, judges, and other court personnel.
• Conducts legal research as assigned. Assists with case management (litigation log), including seeking appropriate approval, compiling and redacting documents, and coordinating with all relevant parties.
• Uses existing files and a variety of other legal research resources to prepare reports. Identifies relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent materials. Evaluates information collected to be used to answer any department questions.
• Performs a variety of routine secretarial and clerical work, including answering phones, typing, emailing, and copying/scanning. Transmits all messages in a timely manner without delay. Keeps all documentation filed and confidential.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the General Counsel and other staff attorneys.

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

Minimum and Additional Requirements


A high school diploma or GED and five (5) years of paralegal experience or an Associate's degree in paralegal studies and a paralegal certificate. Knowledge and experience working with attorneys and judges at a state agency, law firm, or the courts.

Preferred Qualifications
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

05


Do you have knowledge and experience working with attorneys and judges at a state agency, law firm, or the courts?

• Yes
• No

Required Question