Legal Assistant

About the Department of Child Services

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions! The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood.

Our culture is built upon our MVP Foundation:

• Mission: Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
• Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
• Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

About the Role

The Legal Assistant provides paralegal and administrative support for local and agency attorneys. You will assist in organizing, processing, and maintaining records related to DCS cases and may provide research, clerical support, and reporting when needed. The Legal Assistant is responsible for a range of duties that are vital to mitigating legal risk and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

This position is in the Indianapolis, Indiana, North DCS Office and will support staff in Marion County and surrounding counties as needed.

Responsibilities

A day in the life:

• Provides administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal divisions.
• Performs legal research under the direction of staff counsel or administrative law judge.
• Assists at depositions and hearings by taking notes, providing follow-up questions to attorneys, and keeping track of documents.
• Prepares, proofreads, or processes legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
• Mails, faxes, or arranges for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
• Receives and responds to inquiries regarding current hearings from attorneys, legislators, or clients by telephone, email, and/or correspondence.
• Schedules hearing dates and sites, makes appointments, and manages calendars.
• Travels to hearing sites, sets up site, materials, and equipment.
• Organizes and maintains law libraries, database systems, documents, and case files.
• Manages court dockets.
• Sends calendar invites to ensure court appearances.
• Drafts court documents for attorney review and ensures timely filing.
• Schedules case staff meetings between legal and field staff.
• Mails court reports to parties.
• Compiles and redacts discovery.
• Mails subpoenas.
• Maintains legal data and the office legal calendar.
• Assists with and ensures legal deadlines are met.
• Manages the client case management system.
• Distributes orders to agency representatives.
• Requests legal documents for trial.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

Requirements

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000.00 but may vary based on education and work experience. Use the Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.