Paralegal

Introduction

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using cutting-edge research and evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is currently recruiting to fill a Paralegal (Paralegal - Confidential) vacancy. This position is based out of the DOC Central Office in Madison, WI.

Note: This position is eligible to work remotely up to 3 days per week.
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring: Substantial leave time including (for full time employees) a minimum of 3.5 weeks of vacation/year, 4.5 days of personal holiday, 9 paid legal holidays, and up to 16.25 days of accrued sick time that can roll over from year to year. Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits . An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment , plus access to an optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The Well Wisconsin Program administered by WebMD, provides tools and resources to help participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives. EAP: A free and confidential employee assistance program offering employees and their immediate family/dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
Please click here for a quick downloadable summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore State of Wisconsin employment benefits on the website.
Position Summary

This position performs various paralegal functions for DOC Attorneys and assists with appeals and administrative hearings by drafting and preparing a variety of legal documents, conducting legal research, gathering and organizing evidence, preparing testimony, arranging witness attendance at preparation sessions and hearings, and performing administrative work of a complex nature. The activities of this position are frequently of a confidential nature.
Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 81-04 with a starting annual pay between $42,099 to $77,584. Pay on appointment may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code. A twelve-month probationary period is required.
Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.
The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
For more in-depth information on employment with the State of Wisconsin, please see the State Employee Handbook .
Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have experience:

• Providing paralegal assistance to attorneys on various litigation cases (civil, claims, and labor and employment relations issues), including investigating complex legal matters.
• Researching, analyzing, and compiling records, data, and information in preparing a variety of legal documents, including legal pleadings, in response to legal interrogatories, complaints, and requests.

In addition to the above, well qualified applicants will have:

• Experience working with administrative, civil, contract and property, criminal and juvenile, employment, health care and guardianship, litigation, or privacy and public records laws.
• Experience utilizing a database or workflow management system to maintain and track legal cases, documents, and related information.
• Experience drafting and developing policies, procedures, Administrative rules, etc.
• Experience preparing cases to be heard by State/Federal courts/agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Labor & Industry Review Commission, and Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission.
• Paralegal education (Associates or Bachelor's Degree) and/or Certificate.

How To Apply

To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.

Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the qualifications mentioned above. It is not necessary to include references at this time. Your letter of qualifications and resume will be evaluated and is considered the assessment for this position and should be limited to a maximum of two pages each.

Your submission will be evaluated by one or more job experts. The most eligible candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. For more information regarding your letter of qualifications and resume, please click here .

Questions can be directed to Phia Vang, Human Resources Specialist at Phia.Vang@wisconsin.gov .

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Deadline to Apply

On-line application materials must be finalized by 11:59 pm on 4/16/24 , in order to be considered.

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