Paralegal - KC Western

State of Missouri; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri's Division of Legal Services in the Kansas City Metro – Western Litigation Unit seeks a Paralegal to support attorneys providing legal services to the Department of Social Services in court, focusing on permanency including reunification and guardianship.

This position oversees a team of 2–9 legal assistants, performs legal research, drafts documents, prepares for hearings, and travels within Missouri as needed (3–5 days per month).

Qualifications

• Associate degree and paralegal certification, or 5+ years legal experience.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of 2-9 legal assistants and ensure compliance with procedures.
• Perform legal research, draft documents, and prepare for hearings and trial.
• Correspond on behalf of regional litigation attorneys and manage case files.
• Travel within-state for meetings and hearings (approx. 3-5 days per month).

Skills

Legal research

Team supervision

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

Associate degree

Paralegal certification

Tools

Word

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Division of Legal Services (DLS) has one opening for a Paralegal within the Kansas City Metro - Western Litigation Unit.

Semi-monthly salary: The current rate for this position is $2,387.05. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Annual Salary: $57,289.36

Job Posting Number: 4105 8860017

Job Location: This position is located at the Fletcher Daniels Office Building; 615 E 13th St, Jefferson City, MO 64106.

The Department of Social Services partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy and productive lives.

Why you’ll love this position:

Are you passionate about public service? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Missouri children and families? Join our team of professionals providing legal support to attorneys that represent the Department of Social Services (DSS) in court, with special focus on permanency including reunification with a parent, guardianship, termination of parental rights/adoption, and other planned permanent living arrangements. At DLS, you’ll enjoy collaborating as part of a diverse team of attorneys and legal support staff located in offices all around the state.

What You’ll Do

This is a second-level legal support position responsible for providing complex legal support to attorneys and for supervising legal support staff. The duties of this position include supervising a team of 2-9 legal assistants, performing legal research, drafting legal documents, preparing for hearings and trial, and corresponding on behalf of regional litigation attorneys. Under the guidance and direction of an attorney, a Paralegal may perform research, file legal documents, facilitate case management, and draft legal instruments and correspondence. This position ensures that lower-level support work is done in compliance with standardized procedures.

This position will require regular in-state daytime travel. Although at times more frequent travel may be necessary, this position is anticipated to require full-day or overnight travel approximately 3-5 days per month, to include meetings with the DLS regional and central offices.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree, 1-3 years of experience, and a paralegal certification; or 5 or more years of experience in a legal environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of business grammar, composition, and spelling required. Proficient knowledge of computer information systems, software (such as Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat), and office technology required. Effective critical thinking, time management, organizational, and communication skills are required. Experience performing legal research through LexisNexis, Westlaw, or another legal research platform is preferred, but not required. Preference will be given to those with prior experience providing direct legal support.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position, please contact: Lisa Soldan at [e-mail]. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at [e-mail].

Recruitment Area

All qualified applicants.

Application Deadline

October 21, 2026