Paralegal (Legal Assistant I) - Health Care, State Services

Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Office of the Attorney General as a Paralegal in Denver, supporting legal services for the Colorado Medicaid agency and Department of Health. Develop your skills through mentorship while handling litigation tasks and assisting experienced legal professionals in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Flexible work schedules

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

On-site fitness center

Employer-paid mental health services

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience required.
• Experience in a legal setting is preferred.
• Ability to perform legal research and draft documents.

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation support and assist attorneys.
• Gather information and draft pleadings.
• Manage case tracking and litigation deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Paralegal certificate from ABA approved program

Tools

ProLaw or similar case management system

WestLaw or similar legal research engine

Job description

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The State Services Section is seeking a Paralegal to join its dynamic and collaborative team! If you are interested in developing in your paralegal career and are eager to learn both paralegal skills and the Health Care industry, this position is perfect for you. This position offers the opportunity to be mentored by Senior Paralegals and Attorneys to develop your skills in this role that combines litigation and general counsel.

WHO WE ARE
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the “People’s Lawyer.” The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State’s chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: “Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all.” Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General’s Office here.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Health Care U nit within the State Services Section, provides legal services to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (the State Medicaid agency) and the public health programs within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. On behalf of these two clients, the unit handles a full range of litigation, enforcement, procurement, compliance, and general counsel/advice matters. The unit provides both agency clients with legal opinions and memorandums on a wide range of issues and questions, as well as providing general strategic and legal guidance on a daily basis . On behalf of the State Medicaid Agency, the unit manages a wide range of provider and member appeals, litigates challenges to Department policies and regulations, engages with vendors in contract disputes, defends the Department in rate setting appeals, defends the state against adverse actions taken by the federal government, and coordinates inter-agency efforts at both the state and federal level when faced with provider terminations due to fraud or abuse. For the State Health Department, unit attorneys are tasked with litigating and advising on all health facility licensing and compliance issues, paramedic/EMT certification suspension or revocation matters, vital records disputes, challenges involving the medical marijuana registry, hemp regulation, and advising and litigating matters related to disease control outbreaks and investigations. The unit carries a heavy litigation caseload in a fast-paced environment.

The Paralegal provides litigation support and assistance to the unit’s attorneys and the unit’s Senior Paralegals. The Paralegal will support attorneys and the Senior Paralegals by performing work requiring an understanding of the legal and procedural issues that arise in the context of civil litigation court cases. The position also assists in gathering information, drafting basic pleadings such an entry of appearance and motions, calendaring and tracking litigation and discovery deadlines , e-filing pleadings , processing and organizing pleadings and discovery, performing basic research, and coordinating witnesses and exhibits for hearings, trial, and oral arguments. This position efficiently proof s and cite-checks briefs, as well as codes appellate briefs, and other assignments as needed. The position works independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced team-orientated environment. The position will also assist attorneys in maintaining assignment metrics to keep the client apprised of assignments and maintaining case tracking spreadsheets. The Paralegal will become familiar with the office’s case management system and assist with routine litigation activities pending at the Office of Administrative Courts , district courts, and appellate courts.

This position also supports the Section’s clients by providing back-up paralegal support to other paralegals in the Section.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple Legal Assistant positions within the Health Care Unit, State Services Section.

Salary note : Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

H5E1XX LEGAL ASSISTANT I
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution

Substitutions

Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate

A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate

If qualifying under the substitution, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcripts.


Necessary Competencies:Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, if you possess any of the following specifically include the details on your application, as this information will be used to assess your qualifications and may be used to determine a top group of applicants.

• Professional work experience as a litigation paralegal;

• Ability to quickly and efficiently learn new information and technology;

• Experience with ProLaw or similar case management system;

• Experience with WestLaw or similar legal research engine;

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;

• Experience working in a health care or legal setting;

• Strong administrative or clerical skills in a legal setting.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• The State Services Section offers flexible work arrangements. Please note, flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online application.

Application Materials: Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

• A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be considered.

• Resume: A detailed resume outlining your background, skills, and experiences—including previously held positions and academic background—is strongly preferred, but not required . Providing detailed information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, and alignment with the preferred qualifications listed is highly encouraged.

• Cover Letter: A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position, relevant experience, and any additional details you’d like to share is strongly preferred, but not required .
  

Veteran’s Preference: In order to be considered for veteran’s preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.

Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Vanessa Rhea at [e-mail].

Assessment Information :
Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.

• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned.
• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

It is imperative that the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email [e-mail] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!

We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) better together, by working to support each other and collaborate.

We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensiveState of Colorado benefits packageincluding competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans withColorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness :As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds offederal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
• Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
• Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid annual attorney registrationdues
• Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.

ADAAA Requests
The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at [e-mail] .