Paralegal

Paralegal The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is seeking a Paralegal to join us in our mission to enhance the lives of those we serve. Job Responsibilities Assists with administrative tasks such as collecting documents and records, drafting legal documents, coordinating meetings, and communicating directly with the courts as a court liaison and coordinating with other BHDD divisions on General Counsel matters. Performs routine secretarial and clerical work, including answering phones, typing, and ordering supplies. Conducts extensive legal research, creates reports and documents for attorneys, and prepares, summarizes, and interprets legal documents and pleadings for cases. Utilizes existing files and a variety of other legal research resources to prepare information for pending cases, identifying relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes, and other pertinent materials and evaluating related information. Completes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as well as other records requests. Performs additional duties as assigned. Minimum and Additional Requirements A high school diploma and two (2) years of experience providing administrative support for an attorney(s), a legal office, or the courts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Qualifications A Paralegal Certificate or an Associate degree in paralegal studies. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and organizational functions; legal research techniques and database software; legal communication principles and practices. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, communicate effectively, and perform legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions and office policies. Employment Contingency and State Disaster Plan Employment is contingent upon receipt of required pre‑employment screenings including medical and drug screening, background record checks, fingerprinting, Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, the Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening, a driving record check, and verification of educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer if minimum requirements are not met or if incomplete or inaccurate information is discovered during the background review. Under the State’s Disaster Plan, employees may be required to work during emergencies or disasters. EEO Statement 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. Benefits Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. 15 days annual vacation leave per year. 15 days sick leave per year. 13 paid holidays. Paid parental leave. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program (S.C. Deferred Compensation). Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS). State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP). State employees also receive health and dental insurance, retirement and savings plan options, paid vacation and sick leave, and work‑life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules. Tuition assistance, holiday, annual and sick leave, and discounts on purchases, travel, and more are also available to eligible employees. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, except for 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. Contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available. Location This position is located at the BHDD Central Office in Cayce, SC. #J-18808-Ljbffr