Paralegal

umd; Maryland; On-site; USD 74,299,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safe and Sick Leave

Job summary

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for a full-time, nonexempt contractual position supporting the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of the General Counsel. The role is 40 hours per week, split between the two offices, reporting to the Director of Financial Aid.

The selected candidate will manage Borrower Defense cases, conduct fact-finding, research records, ensure FERPA compliance, and handle MPIA requests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience.
• Excellent research, written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage Borrower Defense cases: Track all Department of Education claims, deadlines, case status, COD Web activity, and required submissions.
• Conduct detailed fact-finding: Investigate each allegation, establish the who/what/when/where/why/how, develop timelines, and distinguish documented facts from allegations.
• Research institutional records: Collect and analyze student, financial aid, academic, admissions, communications, policies, catalogs, and historical records while maintaining FERPA and confidentiality requirements.
• Analyze regulations and prepare responses: Research applicable federal regulations and guidance, evaluate the evidence supporting each allegation, and draft comprehensive responses and supporting documentation for ED review.
• Ensure compliance and risk management: Maintain audit-ready case files, identify potential compliance or financial risks, meet all deadlines, and escalate matters requiring legal advice to university counsel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director.
• Manage and process requests submitted under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), including coordinating records searches, reviewing, and compiling responsive documents, calculating and processing fees, and preparing records for production in accordance with applicable laws and deadlines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Oral communication

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for a full-time, nonexempt contractual position with limited benefits. The successful candidate will support the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of the General Counsel. The position is (40) hours, split between the two offices. The position will report to the Director of Financial Aid.

Salary Range (Hourly): $25.93 - $28.00

Benefits: No regular benefits. Safe and Sick Leave Only.

Safe and Sick Leave Guidelines: Pursuant to the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, if you are regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 12 hours a week, you will be entitled to accrue Sick and Safe leave at the rate of 1 (one) hour for every 30 hours worked up to a maximum accrual of 40 hours per calendar year. You may carry over up to 40 hours of Sick and Safe leave per calendar year. You may use up to 64 hours of accrued Sick and Safe leave per calendar year and may accrue up to a maximum of 64 hours of Sick and Safe leave in total at any time. You will not be eligible to use Sick and Safe leave until 106 days from your date of hire. Sick and Safe leave balances will be carried over for contract renewals. Upon termination from employment, you will not be entitled to payment for any unused Sick and Safe leave balance; however, if you leave employment and are re-employed within 37 weeks of your last contract termination date, you will be entitled to have any unused Sick and Safe leave reinstated.

Responsibilities: Office of Student Financial Aid

• Manage Borrower Defense cases: Track all Department of Education claims, deadlines, case status, COD Web activity, and required submissions.
• Conduct detailed fact-finding: Investigate each allegation, establish the who/what/when/where/why/how, develop timelines, and distinguish documented facts from allegations.
• Research institutional records: Collect and analyze student, financial aid, academic, admissions, communications, policies, catalogs, and historical records while maintaining FERPA and confidentiality requirements.
• Analyze regulations and prepare responses: Research applicable federal regulations and guidance, evaluate the evidence supporting each allegation, and draft comprehensive responses and supporting documentation for ED review.
• Ensure compliance and risk management: Maintain audit-ready case files, identify potential compliance or financial risks, meet all deadlines, and escalate matters requiring legal advice to university counsel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director.

Office of the General Counsel

• Manage and process requests submitted under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), including coordinating records searches, reviewing, and compiling responsive documents, calculating and processing fees, and preparing records for production in accordance with applicable laws and deadlines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Four (4) years of professional legal experience. Excellent research, written and oral communication skills.

Preferences: Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field. Paralegal certification. Two to three years of experience providing legal or administrative support, preferably in a law office, government, higher education, or corporate environment. Strong knowledge of legal terminology, document preparation, and records management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of legal research, involving federal, state and administrative statutes, regulations and case law. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Physical Demands: May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk. May require lifting. Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally. Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Department: UMES-VPSA-Financial Aid Operation

Worker Sub-Type: Staff Contractual (C1) (Fixed Term)

Salary Range: $25.93 - $28.00

EEO Statement: UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement: It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination or harassment.