Paralegal

OTSEGO COUNTY HAS THE FOLLOWING VACANCY: Department of Social Services Paralegal $44,711 - $52,806/year LAST DAY FOR FILING: October 26, 2026 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for performing paralegal duties and a variety of tasks that while not requiring the skills of an attorney, nevertheless, entail the application of limited legal procedures and research techniques to facilitate the preparation of legal documents and matters for litigation. The incumbent's specific duties will vary within the broad framework of paralegal skills. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the department's attorneys and administrative supervision of the appointing authority, with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work as required. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge and skill with computers, electronic communication, scanning, creating PDFs, word processing, managing spreadsheets, and accessing electronic data; good knowledge of general legal principles, practices and procedures; good knowledge of modern office terminology, procedures, equipment and business English; working knowledge of the functions and procedures of the courts; ability to be proactive in solving problems; ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently; ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written directions; ability to effectively listen and communicate both orally and in writing; ability to maintain cooperative relations with staff, other departments, other agencies, the courts and the public; integrity, confidentiality, honesty, attention to detail, and good judgment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Either: (a) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associates degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Human Services, Business Administration, Legal Studies or closely related field and two (1) year of clerical experience in human services, legal or business office setting; or (b) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three (3) years clerical experience of which one (1) year experience is in human services, legal or business office setting; or (c) Possession of Paralegal Certification; or (d) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a), (b), and (c) above. Note: Successful completion of coursework in human services, business administration, legal studies or closely related field at a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, may be substituted for the required experience with three (3) semester credit hours of related coursework as indicated above being equivalent to three (3) months of experience, up to one (1) year. Applications available at the Otsego County Personnel Human Resources Office, 183 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or online at