Job Description

Work for Indiana

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. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services (DCS):

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

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:

 

Mission : Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision : Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

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, and reporting when needed.

This position is in La Porte and will support staff in LaPorte County, and surrounding counties as needed.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000 per year, but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsbilities include:

• 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.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Upon entering the role, individuals must have or obtain the following requirements: 

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritze tasks effectively 
• 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 work independently
• Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

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
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• 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:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • 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
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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 jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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