Paralegal & Legal Assistant - Operational (DWS #10114710)

$18.34 - $29.34 Hourly

$38,140 - $61,024 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 55

Posting Details

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides high quality legal services to all of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solution's (Department) divisions, bureaus and programs. The OGC assists all of the Department's divisions with a range of legal issues, including the development of contracts, participation in hearings, litigation, legislative initiatives, negotiations, settlements, evaluations of legal documents, compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, policy and program development.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

This position assists the attorneys in the Office of General Counsel with new and ongoing litigation.

How does it get done?

Work involves legal and administrative support. This position maintains communications with clients, attorneys, agencies, and the general public. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Assists the attorneys in the Office of General Counsel with the initiation, tracking and participation in court actions of new and ongoing litigation. Drafts basic pleadings, correspondence, and other documentation as necessary. Calendars and tracks cases and maintains case files. Assists attorneys in filing collections actions as appropriate.

Who are the customers?

All departments of workforce solutions are served by the Office of the General Counsel.

Ideal Candidate

Must be an expert user of Microsoft Office Suite.
User of Internet based phone system.
Posses active listening skills, critical thinking skills, reading and writing proficiencies, comprehension and decision making skills.
Knowledge or ability to obtain knowledge of laws, legal codes, and court procedures.
Knowledge of government regulations including unemployment benefit administration, labor relations, human rights and other relevant regulations.
Knowledge of procurement code is preferable.

Minimum Qualification

High School Diploma or Equivalent and two (2) years of experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 2 years of experience 2 Associate's degree or higher (Bachelor's, Master's) AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.

• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Desplay (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage, and includes contact with adult imates/offenders.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Andrea Christman. Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.