Office Manager (Legal Administrator)

Maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 57,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine Commission on Public Defense is seeking an Office Manager for the Parents' Counsel Division in Augusta. This pivotal role involves supervisory responsibilities, document preparation, and coordination of legal representation for indigent parents. Ideal candidates will possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills while adapting to a fast-paced environment. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, enhancing the work-life balance for state employees.

Benefits

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years of paralegal experience required.
• 3+ years in administrative support preferred.
• Competent in applying modern office practices.

Responsibilities

• Supervise paralegal staff and assist the Division Chief.
• Manage legal documents and ensure organized operations.
• Serve as a team member supporting parent attorneys.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Proficient in word processing

Record keeping

Education

ABachelorsDegree

Job description

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Maine Commission on Public Defense

Office Manager (Legal Administrator)

Parents Counsel Division

Opening Date: June 5, 2025

Closing Date: June 20, 2025

Job Class Code: 0885
Grade: 25
Salary: $ 57,408.00 – $81,078.40/Annually Position Number: 146000022

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill an Office Manager position for the Parents’ Counsel Division based in Augusta.

JOB DESCRIPTION

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent parents whose children have been taken into custody or are at risk of being taken into custody by the State, and who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Parents’ Counsel Division is a new division and will be comprised of three parents’ counsel attorneys, in addition to the Division Chief. It is anticipated that the division will grow to include additional attorneys, case workers, paralegals, and other support staff. The Legal Administrator will function as the Office Manager and will supervise paralegal staff, perform paralegal work, and assist the Division Chief, as directed.

The Legal Administrator works as part of a team to ensure a functioning and organized work environment and may communicate with a wide network of court officials, DHHS caseworkers and personnel, law enforcement, legal and social agencies, jail and prison officials, as well as clients and their family members . Proficiency is required in word processing, legal document preparation, document management, record keeping, data management, file management, calendar management, and a variety of communications. This position is a full-time, confidential employee position and will report to the Division Chief.

This position supports parent attorneys located across the State, so organization and attention to detail is critical. The ideal candidate must be self-directed and have the ability to work efficiently and independently. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic. It is essential that the successful candidate works well as part of a team and adapts well to rapid changes in a fast-paced legal environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

ABachelorsDegree and four (4) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - or - an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess 3+ years working in an administrative support role in a law firm, court or legal services setting, and who show a history of increasing responsibilities, including supervision of others.

Training, education, or experience in administrative support work that demonstrates:

• (1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of modern office practices to perform advanced administrative support tasks at a statewide level that are broad in scope or functionally diverse; and
• (2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and decision making on complex administrative matters. All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Office Assistant I, Office Assistant II, Office Associate I, Office Associate II and Office Specialist I.

For questions about this position, please contact Executive Director Jim Billings at [e-mail]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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