Legal Assistant - Judicial Processing (Inpatient Services)

State of South Carolina; Cayce (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Sick leave & vacation

13 paid holidays

Parental Leave

Retirement plan options

Job summary

State of South Carolina's Office of Mental Health seeks a Legal Assistant for the Judicial & Health Information Services Program. The role supports judicial processing, document service, and scheduling at the G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital in Columbia, SC.

Strong accuracy, discretion, and knowledge of related procedures are essential. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma, Notary commission, and typing 35 wpm.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Notary commissioned in SC as required.
• Typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are a plus.
• Knowledge of court procedures and mental health-related rules is preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Review and process paperwork related to judicial proceedings for patients.
• Arrange service of legal documents and prepare affidavits of service.
• Prepare weekly hearing schedules and coordinate with examiners and facilities.
• Maintain docket and electronic records for judgments and orders.
• Provide backup support to judicial staff during absences.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and other confidentiality policies.
• Contribute to procedural improvements and office operations.

Skills

Notary

Bilingual

Typing 35 wpm

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in secretarial science

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Legal Assistant for the Judicial & Health Information Services Program, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health (OMH), G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia SC 29203.

As the Legal Assistant, you will independently perform specialized administrative functions which require a thorough knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures, and the SC Code of Law regarding the mentally ill and chemically dependent. Work effectively with court officials, designated examiners and various other professionals involved with the commitment due process proceeding and court-ordered discharges at all OMH-Inpatient Services facilities.

Responsibilities for the Legal Assistant include:

• Review, prepare, and processes paperwork involving the judicial process of patients to courts and families. Process admission/discharge documents from the previous day's admission and discharges, with notification to the Probate Courts. Ensure that any discrepancies of legal compliance are documented and corrected.
• Arrange for service of legal documents (received from Probate Court) upon patients. Prepare notarized Affidavit of Service and ensure the record is appropriately documented for action taken.
• Prepare weekly schedules for hearing held at IS facilities and off site. Ensures that hearings held at the facility are coordinated and scheduled examiners can be present for hearings. If not, arrange for new examiners.
• When hearings are held in house, assures that the hearing room is a proper order before and after the hearing.
• Prepare Travel Vouchers for Probate Judges traveling to facility for hearings. Prepare monthly report for SCOMH Legal Counsel of all hearings held by one county for another county. Prepare Statistical reports generated by the Judicial Processing department.
• Input information into the Outpatient Electronic Medical Record on all new admissions, judgement and orders, hearing is held or a verbal order is given. Daily maintenance of electronic filing system of Judicial patient data.
• Serve as backup for judicial employees at any IS facility when they are on sick leave or vacation.
• Take recommendations to supervisor concerning procedural improvements to office operations; perform other duties as requested.
• Maintain compliance as appropriate with policies covering: Cultural and Populations Specific Compliance Corporate and HIPAA policies, Harassment free Workplace policies, and training.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A high school diploma and work experience that is related to the area of employment

Additional Requirements

• Commissioned and appointed as a Notary for the State of SC
• Use acquired skills and good judgement
• Must be able to work with young to geriatric population

Preferred Qualifications

• A high school diploma and two (2) years of clerical experience; or an associate degree in secretarial science or other related field; or (3) three years clerical experience.
• Must be able to type at least 35 words per minute.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments

• Have a considerable knowledge of clerical formats, language usage, telephone etiquette, spelling, and ability to perform advance clerical duties and the ability to maintain routine filing systems.
• Be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with staff and the public in disseminating and obtaining information.
• Have the computer skills necessary to manage D.E. schedules as well as correspondence.
• Be knowledgeable of law governing the mentally ill and substance abuse clients; must be knowledgeable of policies and procedures regarding ROI and confidentiality requirements.
• Be able to manage self and time efficiently.
• Be able to complete MANDT training.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

60007288, 60027675