Paralegal 1,2

Posting number: MHA 080626 ERG

Department: Gov-Mental Health Advocacy Services

Job classification: PARALEGAL 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Mental Health, Attorney

Summary
The Office of Mental Health Advocacy Service has a vacancy.  

Our mission is to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard and that they receive every right and remedy afforded them under law.

Our goal is to provide high-quality legal counsel and representation to our clients, address systemic issues that affect the rights of more than one client and require a remedy, act as a clearinghouse for information relative to adults and children with mental health diagnoses and children in need of care, and provide training to various individuals/agencies.

This position is responsible for assisting attorneys in court and meetings by organizing exhibits, providing copies of important documents and exhibits to the attorney, opposing counsel, and the court as needed. They will assist with entering case data, and compile data for performance indicators and timeliness measures. They also create, organize, and maintain client files. Daily office duties will also be required. Some travel is required.
Examples of dutiesCompletion of an approved Paralegal or Legal Assistant program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), or at an accredited college or university; OR

Possession of a Certified Paralegal (CP) certification issued by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.; OR

A Juris Doctorate.

NOTE:
Disbarred attorneys and those who have permanently resigned from the practice of law in lieu of discipline may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law. Suspended attorneys or an attorney transferred to disability inactive status during the period of suspension may not be hired in any position in connection with the practice of law unless such hiring is first preceded by the submission of a fully executed registration statement to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, on a registration form provided by the Louisiana Disciplinary Board and approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court. See Rule 5.5(e)(1) of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct; In Re Davenport, 2021-01371 (La. 11/3/21) and 326 So.3d 882; In re Sharp, 2012- 2463 (La. 1/11/13), 106 So.3d 105. The hiring agency is responsible for conducting the necessary background checks prior to appointment. QualificationsThe official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. Supplemental informationJob Duties:

• The function of work for a Paralegal 2 is to assist attorneys in court and meetings and enter case information into a specific database. A Paralegal 2 creates, organizes, and maintains client files. They maintain client information regarding Title IV-E indicators; collect and retrieve information regarding IV-E indicators from attorneys and social workers on a weekly basis, enter the IV-E information correctly into the designated data collection system prior to the deadline, timely respond to requests and recommendations from the data collection specialist, follow up with attorneys and social workers as needed to ensure all information is properly coded and recorded prior to agency deadlines for submission. 
• Assist attorneys in court and meetings by organizing exhibits, providing copies of important documents and exhibits to the attorney, opposing counsel, and the court as needed and at appropriate times in the proceedings, and by documenting who is present, what their arguments are, details about the discussion and what the final judgment or decision is. 
• Enter case information, such as the name, date of birth, and family information of the client, the names of the various agency representatives involved in the case, important information about the parties, court notes, summaries of the pleadings, and data reflecting the efforts of the attorney and agency, into the agency's data collection program. 
• Maintain client information regarding Title IV-E indicators; collect and retrieve information regarding IV-E indicators from attorneys and social workers on a weekly basis, enter the IV-E information correctly into the designated data collection system prior to the deadline, timely respond to requests and recommendations from the data collection specialist, follow up with attorneys and social workers as needed to ensure all information is properly coded and recorded prior to agency deadlines for submission. 
• Schedule attorneys' court dates in the data collection computer system, maintain attorney supervisor's master calendaring system, and complete any and all other general office projects assigned by the supervisor. 
• Compile data for performance indicators and timeliness measures. 
• Create, organize, and maintain client files.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: This vacancy will be filled by a new hire or by promotion of a current permanent status classified employee.    

Louisiana is a “State as a Model Employer” for People with Disabilities.

Career Progression: This vacancy participates in a career progression group and may be filled from this recruitment as an Paralegal 1 or 2. 

Preference will be given to applicants with experience working with juveniles and persons with mental illness and/or disabilities.

How To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. The transcripts can be added as an attachment to your online application. The selected candidate will be required to submit original documentation upon hire.

A criminal history check may be conducted on all new hires as well as employees changing positions, including promotions, demotions, details, reassignments, and transfers. Also, prospective employees may be subject to pre-employment drug testing.  New hires will be subject to employment eligibility verification via the federal government's E-Verify system.


For further information about this posting, please contact:
Erica R. Gay
HR Specialist
Division of Administration/Office of Human Resources
Email:Erica.Gay@la.gov