Job Title: AGO Paralegal I/II/III

Title: AGO Paralegal I/II/III

Application Deadline: 12/1/2023

ReqlD: 256

Department: Attorney General's Office

Location: Waterbury

Position Type: Permanent

Pay Grade: 21

Schedule Type: Full time

Job Code: 515700

Applicants can apply online here: https://careers.vermont.gov/job/Waterbury-AGO-Paralegal-III-DCF-&-DAIL-VT-05677/1094092100/

Overview: The Vermont Attorney General's Office is hiring a paralegal for its Department for Children and Families, and the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living legal units. These units represent the State of Vermont in state and federal courts in civil litigation and before administrative boards, including appeals. The units also provide general advice and counseling on litigation issues and provide general legal services to both Agencies.

This position has two distinct functions. One is to provide paralegal services to approximately six Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs). These responsibilities may include: responding to constituent inquiries and public records requests; helping process referrals to the above units; generating state and federal statistical reports; assisting with legal research on cases, compiling and organizing discovery; completing and documenting case-related projects and tasks; preparing notices and other legal documents; and assisting in the development of presentations and training materials. This position may also be required to provide paralegal support to other agencies within the Agency of Human Services.

Another function is providing additional support to one of the six AAGs who has a physical disability and uses a power wheelchair. The position provides personal, logistical, administrative, and potentially some transportation-related assistance allowing the AAG to perform his job duties. The AAG’s job requires him to travel with some regularity around the state to attend court 2 hearings. Therefore, along with supporting him in his Waterbury office, this paralegal will provide him with on-site support at those locations. Support will include assistance with meals, office and court room set up and pack up, note taking during court hearings, and other duties as assigned.

Who May Apply: This position, AGO Paralegal I/II/III (Job Requisition# 256), is open to all State employees and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Tim Connors at Timothy.Connors@Vermont.gov. Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting. Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Class Definition: Specialized legal work involving case and document preparation, technical assistance, paralegal analysis, investigation, research, interpretation, drafting of legal documents and correspondence and other forms of assistance for attorneys. Duties include case file maintenance, preparation of notices and other legal documents, monitoring the progress of judicial and administrative hearings, and liaison with state agencies, law firms and others. Work is performed with some independence under the supervision of an attorney or administrative supervisor. This is the entry level paralegal position in state government.

Environmental Factors: Duties are generally performed in office settings. Some work in the field could on rare occasions necessitate travel for which incumbents should have private means of transportation available. Some evening or overtime work may be required. Incumbents must be able to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deal tactfully with the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree AND some experience as a legal assistant or equivalent. OR

Paralegal degree or certificate based on 30 semester credit hours of study AND some experience as a legal assistant or administrative equivalent. OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND one (1) or more years of experience as a legal assistant or administrative equivalent. 

Special Requirements: For Positions in the Agency of Human Services, candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation: As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including: 80% State paid medical premium Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule Low-cost group life insurance Tuition Reimbursement Incentive-based Wellness Program Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.