Legal Assistant

State of Indiana; Anderson (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness program

Paid leave and holidays

Education reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

The Legal Assistant at the Department of Child Services in Anderson, Indiana provides paralegal and administrative support to local and agency attorneys. You will help organize, process, and maintain records for DCS cases and may assist with research, clerical work, and reporting to support compliance and reduce legal risk.

Responsibilities include drafting court documents, scheduling hearings, redacting discovery, managing calendars and the client case management system, and coordinating with

Qualifications

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize 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.
• Ability to work independently and provide professional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Send calendar invites to ensure court appearance and draft court documents for attorney review.
• Schedule case staff meetings between legal and field staff.
• Mail court reports to parties.
• Compile and redact discovery.
• Maintain legal data and the office legal calendar.
• Assist with and ensure legal deadlines are met.
• Manage the client case management system.
• Distribute orders to agency representatives and request legal documents for trial.

Skills

Legal procedures

Communication skills

Organization

Proofreading

MS Office

Confidentiality

Independence

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or HSE

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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:

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 ourMVPfoundation:

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.

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 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. Duties may include:

• Sending calendar invites to ensure court appearanceDraft court documents for attorney review and ensuring timely filing
• Scheduling case staff meetings between legal and field staff
• Mailing court reports to parties
• Compiling and redacting discovery
• Maintaining legal data and the office legal calendar
• Assisting with and ensuring legal deadlines are met
• Managing the client case management system
• Distributing orders to agency representatives
  Requesting legal documents for trial

This role is in the Anderson, Indiana, DCS Office and will support staff in Madison 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. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities 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.
• Receivesand 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, and 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:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize 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.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required. 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.

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 to401(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
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

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 [e-mail] .