Paralegal - Department of Human Services, Carroll County Department of Social Services

1232 Tech Ct, Westminster, MD 21157 

Telework: A hybrid remote telework and in-office schedule option is available per applicable policies and procedures. 

DESCRIPTION:  The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) has the general charge, supervision, and direction of the State’s legal business, acting as legal advisors and representatives of the major agencies, various boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of State Government. The OAG also protects the public by civil enforcement of antitrust, civil rights, consumer protection, and securities laws and regulations and by the prosecution of organized crime, Medicaid fraud, environmental crimes, insurance fraud, state tax evasion, and other statutorily assigned matters. As Maryland’s 47th Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown leads the Office with a critical focus on equity, justice, and fairness. 

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is Maryland’s primary social services agency, serving more than one million residents annually through its 24 local departments. DHS is responsible for setting statewide policy, providing oversight, and supporting local offices, such as the Carroll County Department of Social Services (CCDSS). The CCDSS delivers critical services directly to the community. These services include child welfare, adult protective services, and support for vulnerable children and adults. 

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Paralegal to join the legal team at CCDSS. This position provides direct support to three Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The Paralegal plays a vital role in supporting legal proceedings related to Child in Need of Assistance (CINA), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adult Protective Services, and Adult Guardianship. The role also includes support for administrative hearings involving child abuse, neglect, and other matters, as well as handling records requests and related legal tasks. 

This position requires a strong working knowledge of legal procedures, documentation, and court systems, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities with the AAGs with precision and efficiency. This collaborative environment encourages continuous learning and offers support from experienced and dedicated legal professionals, making this a rewarding and challenging role for a dedicated Paralegal. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Draft, review, and organize legal documents such as pleadings, discovery materials, filings, and correspondence. 

• Support attorneys in court preparation, including the organization of exhibits and evidence and attend court when necessary. 

• Prepare materials for mediations, settlement conferences, and court hearings 

• Manage case files and databases, ensuring documents are current, organized, and easily accessible. 

• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and summaries for internal and external use. 

• Communicate with clients, courts, and third parties to gather information and relay updates. 

• Monitor legal deadlines and ensure timely filings and submissions. 

• As necessary, perform investigation and review of information to obtain necessary documentation and summarize information for use in pending matters and make recommendations on releasing information according to statue or regulations to protect confidentiality.  

• Perform legal research as directed by the Attorneys. 

• Schedule meetings and maintain attorney calendars 

EXPERIENCE:  

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. 

Experience: Three years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary to include preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney as well as verifying legal citations and references.   

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university.   

• A minimum of one year of experience using Odyssey File and Serve to file pleadings electronically.   

• A minimum of one year of experience in electronic record redaction.   

• A minimum of one year of experience preparing subpoenas.   

 Notes:  

1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience. 

 2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience. 

 3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education. 

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. 

SUBMISSION:  Interested applicants should submit an online application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire through the Online Employment Center, by XX. Optional: Applicants who are subsequently invited for an interview may also be asked for a writing sample. 

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave; and will be eligible for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. State employees are eligible to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.