Job Specification Details

The work of a Child Support Paralegal impacts the lives of children and families across the State of Vermont and potentially nationally and internationally. The Office of Child Support is federally mandated to provide holistic, family-centered, trauma-informed services. Thus, in this role, impartiality, equity, empathy, and procedural justice are key. Furthermore, Child support law is challenging and ever-changing. It requires adaptability, openness and flexibility. This role includes specialized professional work at a paralegal level involving legal research, case and document preparation, case presentation before a Magistrate or Judge of the Superior Court Family Division system, general caseload responsibilities and legal and technical assistance to workers in the child support services system for the Office of Child Support. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Child Support Paralegal Supervisor or supervising attorney. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Assists attorneys in the preparation of legal documents, court cases and legal opinions. Analyzes and researches legal issues and cases. Drafts briefs and memorandums of law. May audit department records for evidence of change in eligibility, default on support payments, paternity status and similar support or eligibility issues. Meets with parties and interviews involved parties to gather information and evidence. Interprets assembled information, makes recommendations for legal action, drafts motions, and prepares cases for trial or hearing. May handle an individual caseload with considerable independence in a district office. Presents child support cases including establishment, enforcement and modification in front of Family Court magistrates and documents court results on the cases. Serves as consultant to Child Support Specialists on legal matters and courtroom participation. Conducts correspondence with parties, attorneys and the public. Serves as liaison with other state agencies. May assist in the formulation or writing of policies and procedures. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed in office, field and courtroom settings. Travel is required for which private means of transportation must be available. Some evening hours or overtime may be required. Must be able to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and deal tactfully with the public in emotionally charged circumstances.

Considerable knowledge of legal procedures and terminology required to do legal research in the practice of law.

Working knowledge of courtroom practices and etiquette.

Working knowledge of Vermont Family Court Rules.

Ability to draw valid legal conclusions as a basis for recommending legal action.

Ability to interview parties and the public tactfully and effectively.

Ability to organize a heavy workload, provide technical assistance on short notice, and carry through normal assignments independently.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, parties, court officials, attorneys and the public.

Ability to think clearly and analytically.

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years or more at or above technical level in investigatory, analytical, research or paralegal duties.

OR

Graduation from an accredited program in paralegal studies or 30 college credits in legal or paralegal studies AND one (1) year or more at or above technical level in investigatory, analytical, research or paralegal duties.

OR

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree OR one (1) year or more of experience as Paralegal I OR three (3) years or more of experience as a Child Support Specialist II.

OR

Two years of full-time college coursework OR an associate's degree AND five (5) years or more at or above technical level in investigatory, analytical, research or paralegal duties.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years or more at or above technical level in investigatory, analytical, research or paralegal duties.

Note: All incumbents must successfully complete the OCS training curriculum within six months of hire, which includes passing the written Case Presenter's Exam.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.