Paralegal

Title: Paralegal

Job ID

21590

Location

Madison

Agency

Administration

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Classification Code

15001

Classification Title

Paralegal

Job Description:

The Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) is a quasi-judicial, independent entity created to conduct high quality, impartial, independent, and cost and time efficient hearings that serve customer agencies and the citizens of Wisconsin. DHA currently conducts hearings for fifteen state agencies and is also available to do hearings for other agencies when requested. It is a growing agency with a varied caseload which fall under these administrative units: Corrections Unit, General Government Unit, and Public Assistance and Social Services Unit. 

The DHA is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $35/month for single plans and $87/month for family plans after two months of employment).
• A casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, and telework options depending on the position’s requirements. 
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.

In addition to our generous employee benefits, we strive for inclusivity and celebrate different religious holidays and cultural observances and provide flexibility for utilizing paid time off for such celebrations.  

Position Summary

This is a professional position of considerable difficulty which provides complex legal support services to 12 administrative law judges. This position requires prudent judgement, independent decision-making, excellent organizational skill, and the ability to manage deadlines for a large program area. Duties are performed utilizing a proprietary case management program. This position provides program and administrative support in the creation and management of a permanent, accurate record of legal proceedings held by the Division of Hearings and Appeals, creating, maintaining and managing transcription. This position requires extensive knowledge of statutes and administrative rules, including but not limited to:

Wis. Stat. Chapters 227, 978, 801, 802, Wis. Admin. Code §§ HA1, HA2, Wis. Admin. Code Chapters 52, 54, 57, 201, 250, 251

Salary Information

This position is assigned to pay schedule and range (07-04) with a starting pay rate between $29.00 per hour and $36.00 per hour, depending upon qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period may be required.

Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.

After training of up to 6 months, this position may be eligible for a hybrid remote/in-office work schedule, up to 50% of a two week pay period remote, as determined by the supervisor based upon the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process. 

Qualifications

Qualifications below will be evaluated during the selection process and must be addressed in your resume and letter of qualifications.

Qualified applicants will have experience performing each of the following:

• Providing administrative support in an office environment (Activities may include drafting and sending written correspondence, proofreading or editing documents, calendar and room scheduling, and/or processing and distributing mail)
• Using Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, or comparable programs, in a professional environment

In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience with some of the following:

• Drafting, proofreading, and cite checking legal documents
• Typing transcripts
• Working with Microsoft SharePoint
• Working in a legal setting

How To Apply

Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please review instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications. Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.