Legal Assistance/Paralegal

Legal Assistant

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. About the Department of Child Services:

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:

Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.

Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.

The Legal Assistant provides paralegal and administrative support for local and agency attorneys. You will assist in organizing, processing, and maintaining records related to DCS cases and may provide research, clerical support, and reporting when needed. The Legal Assistant is responsible for a range of duties that are vital to mitigating legal risk and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Drafting court documents for attorney review and ensuring timely filing.

Scheduling case staff meetings between legal and field staff.

Maintaining legal data and the office legal calendar.

Assisting with and ensuring legal deadlines are met.

Requesting legal documents for trial.

This position is in the Muncie, Indiana, DCS Office and will support staff in Delaware County, and surrounding counties as needed.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Provides administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal divisions.

Performs legal research under the direction of staff counsel or administrative law judge.

Assists at depositions and hearings by taking notes, providing follow-up questions to attorneys, and keeping track of documents.

Prepares, proofreads, or processes legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.

Mails, faxes, or arranges for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.

Receives and responds to inquiries regarding current hearings from attorneys, legislators, or clients by telephone, email, and/or correspondence.

Schedules hearing dates and sites, makes appointments, and manages calendars.

Travels to hearing sites, sets up site, materials, and equipment.

Organizes and maintains law libraries, database systems, documents, and case files.

Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology

Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills

Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties

Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties.

However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.