Paralegal - KC Western

State-of-Missour; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Legal Services within the Missouri Department of Social Services seeks a Paralegal for the Kansas City Metro Western Litigation Unit. The role supports attorneys in court with a focus on permanency, including reunification, guardianship, and termination of parental rights/adoption, while collaborating with a statewide legal team.

The job involves supervising 2–9 legal assistants, performing legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for hearings and trial.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and paralegal certification required; or 5+ years in a legal environment.
• Experience using LexisNexis, Westlaw, or similar legal research platforms preferred.
• Ability to supervise a team of 2-9 legal assistants and manage case work.

Responsibilities

• Provide complex legal support to attorneys and supervise legal support staff.
• Draft legal documents, perform research, prepare for hearings and trial.
• Coordinate case management and correspondence on behalf of regional attorneys.
• Travel within-state during daytime hours; 3–5 days per month for meetings.

Skills

Legal research

Team supervision

Drafting documents

Case management

Education

Associate degree

Paralegal certification

Tools

Word

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Job description

The 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