Paralegal Specialist

The Paralegal Specialist provides assistance to the Department of Mental Health's Taunton Legal Office. Critical functions of this position include working with physicians, clinicians, case managers, and other DMH staff, court personnel, and attorneys in scheduling cases and information gathering, as well as maintaining office litigation databases. The incumbent also provides litigation support, principally by assisting in the preparation or collection of documents such as affidavits and treatment plans, petitions, motions, orders, findings, reports, and decrees for commitments, guardianship, and conservatorship cases; assisting with correspondence and document drafting, maintaining case files, and performing related duties associated with an office environment.

The ideal candidate should have excellent organization skills, attention to detail, the ability to maintain accurate records, and must be able to balance multiple projects at the same time.


Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Assists in the preparation of legal documents for filing and presentation in court.
• Facilitates requests for production of documents and requests for investigative reports by compiling documents, speaking with appropriate people, and assembling materials in order to comply with requests.
• Facilitates the gathering of information and follow-up communication by using e-mail, fax, and telephone in order to assist in the operation of the legal office.
• Develops and maintains record-keeping systems and files by using computer and paper filing systems to ensure deadlines are met and reports can be gathered.
• Serves as liaison to public and private agencies, the courts, consumers, and family members by speaking and corresponding with them to exchange information or assist in problem-solving.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions in order to assist legal counsel in drafting briefs and memorandum of law.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent written, verbal communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to function independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work under pressure and with a wide variety of individuals.
• Legal experience in the practice of mental health/disability law.
• Computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• A certificate from a recognized paralegal training program.
• Oversee a substantial caseload and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Given the population served bilingual or multilingual fluency.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.


Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io Ext. #4.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.

II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.


Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.


Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!


Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.


An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.