Legal Assistant / 61160907

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits overview

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental Leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Social Services seeks a Legal Assistant to prepare child support cases for Family Court, assist in court, and manage documents using PACSS. You will coordinate with clerks and intergovernmental agencies, handle sensitive information, and ensure timely client service.

The role requires a High School Diploma (Associate's degree or paralegal certification preferred) and a valid driver's license, with occasional travel to regional meetings.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma; related work experience acceptable.
• Associates degree or higher may substitute for related experience.
• Completion of paralegal courses or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Must have valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle.
• Ability to enter information into computer.
• Willingness to travel to regional/state meetings and trainings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare child support case materials for Family Court and perform court activities.
• Verify pleadings and notarize court documents; schedule hearings; file with Clerk of Court; use PACSS.
• Assist attorney in court; negotiate support amounts; prepare orders and related documents.
• Manage caseload; follow agency policies; handle correspondence; prepare and modify orders.
• Provide internal and external customer service via email, phone, mail within 48 hours.
• Coordinate with Clerks of Court and intergovernmental agencies on enforcement and testing.
• Conduct interviews with custodial parents for intergovernmental cases; monitor cases.
• Protect PII; safeguard networks and data.
• Perform Red Cross shelter duty or emergency shelter services as directed.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

PACSS

OnBase

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Do you have a passion to provide meaningful contributions to your community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of South Carolina's children, families, and vulnerable adults? If so, the SC Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you!

Job Duties:

• The Legal Assistant is responsible for the preparation of Child Support Cases for Family Court; performance of activities in Court; the follow-up on these cases, including parent locate and processing of interstate cases; and is responsible for providing general child support services to clients as required or needed.
• Prepares cases for court by verifying pleadings, affidavits, and notarizing court documents; schedule hearings, files papers with the Clerk of Court, utilizes Palmetto Automated Child Support System (PACSS).
• Assists attorney in court; negotiates support amounts, complete form orders - support orders, genetic test agreements, continuances, contempt, and special orders.
• Maintains control of assigned caseload; follow agency policies and procedures, handle correspondence, prepare orders, review and modify orders, close cases, maintain case records and document all activities.
• Provides internal and external customer service (e.g.; respond to emails, OnBase mail, phone calls, facsimiles, etc.) within 48 hours if schedule permits.
• Communicate and coordinate with Clerks of Court, Intergovernmental child support agencies, and other units within the Child Support Services Division; coordinate enforcement of support obligations, coordinate intrastate and interstate genetic testing including scheduling and follow-up.
• Conducts interviews with custodial parents for intergovernmental cases, and other cases as necessary. Monitor and keep up with intergovernmental cases and keep other states advised of activities.
• Ensure personally identifying information (PII) is properly used, accessed, gathered, shared, and disposed; protect agency networks and applications by safeguarding system, equipment, and data.
• Performs Red Cross shelter duty or other emergency shelter duty/services as directed. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A High School Diploma and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment.

An Associate's Degree or higher may be substituted for related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of paralegal courses and/or a paralegal certificate.

Additional Comments

This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety.

A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application.

If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.

Must have a valid driver's license and access to motor vehicle. Ability to enter information into computer. Must have a high tolerance for noise or irate clients. Must be able to travel to attend regional and/or state meetings and training.

If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

DIVISION: Child Support Enforcement / Charleston County