Paralegal 2 with in-training, Children, Youth and Families Division

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.

wa.gov . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com .

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

Position and Salary

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Paralegal 2 in the Children, Youth, and Families Division.

This position is located in Tumwater, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Note : there is the possibility of an in-training from the Paralegal 1 level.

Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range : $59,844 - $80,460

Paralegal 1 (Range 51) salary range : $54,204 - $72,924

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The following stipends may apply based on position requirements :

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.
• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

About the Children, Youth, and Families Division

The Children, Youth, and Families Division (CYF) is comprised of 30 attorneys and 28 professional staff who together provide advice and representation to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Staff in each Attorney General’s Office location handle litigation for DCYF, and the CYF Division has the responsibility for doing so locally, as well as coordinating this work for the AGO statewide and advising DCYF leadership.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Paralegal 2

This position works in an extremely collaborative team environment in the Program Advice Litigation (PAL) section of the Children, Youth, and Families Division (CYF) to support the mission of the Attorney General’s Office and the division’s client agency, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

This position will serve as the section’s Appellate Support Coordinator and will coordinate with section managers and appellate coordinators to plan, delegate, and provide paralegal assistance on appeals assigned to Assistant Attorneys General within the division.

This position will also provide support to the statewide Juvenile Litigation Appellate Coordinator and the division’s Appellate Coordinator.

Under direct supervision of the Paralegal 3 Supervisor, duties of this position include but are not limited to :

• In coordination with statewide Juvenile Litigation Appellate Coordinator and CYF Division Appellate Coordinator, independently generate queries and reports on divisional appeals and statewide juvenile litigation appeals as requested.
• Coordinate with section managers and appellate coordinators to plan for and assign appeals to paralegals within the section.
• In collaboration with the Paralegal 3 Supervisor, design, develop and implement training material that will be used to train other paralegals assigned to support and finalize appellate briefs.

Provide expert coaching and training to section Paralegal 1s on appellate support.

Independently utilize Westlaw and other resources to check and verify legal citations, references, and quotation information for accuracy, consistency, and case relevance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications.

We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.

To Qualify at the Paralegal 2 level :

Combination of four years of experience through paralegal certification, two-year paralegal degree, and / or paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney.

Three years’ experience as a Paralegal 1 in Washington State Service.

You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work.

To Qualify at the Paralegal 1 level :

Combination of three years of experience through paralegal certification, two-year paralegal degree, and / or paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney.

You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work.

Skills and Abilities :

The most competitive candidates will posses the following skills and abilities :

Demonstrated Knowledge of and Experience in :

• Knowledge of Paralegal processes and procedures
• Experience in state and federal appellate courts filing procedures
• Utilization of court systems, i.e., Odyssey, ACORDS
• Understand the components of electronic discovery processes

Demonstrated Ability to :

• Effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms
• Ability to problem solve and implement decision-making skills in the daily performance of work assignments
• Multi-task and / or shift priorities to conduct necessary business
• Work independently
• Research and comply with state and agency policies and procedures
• Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite applications, case management systems, and data bases

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General

Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor.

The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes :

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And much more!

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest.

If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds and fostering the inclusion of differences between people.

Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.

One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019.

Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2021 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

Excellent benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical / Dental / Vision for employees & dependent(s);

Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance.

Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.

With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position :

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY :

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the work experience and education sections of your application in www.

careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

• A resume will not substitute for completing the work experience section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment.

Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, canAGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation / gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.

wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Judith Vandergeest @ (360) 586-7691 or [email protected].

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected].

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