SALARY: $61,747 – $98,224
LOCATION: Hopewell Township, NJ
SCHEDULE:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM The Program Services Department does not operate under the facility'scontinuous operations schedule. Standard business hours currently apply.
VACANCIES: 1
POSITIONOVERVIEW:
The MercerCounty Correction Center is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Paralegal Specialist to join the Program Services team. This position providesprofessional paralegal support by conducting legal research, preparing legaldocuments, organizing case materials, maintaining records, and assistingattorneys and program staff with legal and administrative matters related tocorrectional operations.
TheParalegal Specialist plays an important role in supporting the legal functionsof the Correction Center by ensuring the accurate preparation of legaldocumentation, maintaining case files, coordinating information, and assistingwith legal proceedings. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manageconfidential information while working in a fast-paced correctionalenvironment.
ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilitiesinclude, but are not limited to:
Conduct legal researchutilizing statutes, case law, regulations, legal opinions, and otherauthoritative sources.
Assist in the preparation, review, and organization of legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits, contracts, and correspondence for attorney review.
Gather, organize, and analyzeinformation, records, and evidence in preparation for hearings, litigation, and other legal proceedings.
Maintain and organize legalfiles, case records, exhibits, and supporting documentation.
Prepare summaries ofdepositions, interrogatories, testimony, judicial decisions, and otherlegal materials.
Draft reports, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal and administrative documents.
Assist attorneys and Program Services staff by coordinating case materials, scheduling appointments, and preparing hearing or court files.
Obtain documents, records, affidavits, and other information from appropriate agencies and sources.
Review legal documents forcompleteness, formatting, and accuracy prior to submission.
Assist in interviewingclients, witnesses, or other individuals to obtain relevant information asdirected.
Attend hearings, courtproceedings, meetings, or other legal proceedings as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality ofsensitive legal, investigative, and correctional information.
Utilize electronic casemanagement systems, legal research databases, and other technology tosupport departmental operations.
Perform other related dutiesas required.
EDUCATIONAND EXPERIENCE:
Graduationfrom an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Legal Assistant or Paralegal Studies, or an Associate's or Bachelor's Degreewith a Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies.
A JurisDoctor (J.D.) may be substituted for the educational requirement.
Two (2)years of experience preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, oranalyzing legal materials may be substituted for the educational requirement aspermitted by the Civil Service Commission.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid NewJersey driver's license may be required depending on operational needs.
Individuals prohibited fromserving as paralegals pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:20-20(a)are not eligible for appointment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of legal principles, terminology, research methods, and court procedures.
Knowledge of legalpublications, statutes, judicial decisions, and administrativeregulations.
Ability to conduct thoroughlegal research and analyze complex legal issues.
Ability to prepare legaldocuments, reports, correspondence, and case summaries with a high degreeof accuracy.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to gather, evaluate, and organize evidence and factual information.
Ability to maintain detailedrecords and confidential legal files.
Excellent written and verbalcommunication skills.
Ability to establish effectiveworking relationships with attorneys, correctional staff, Countydepartments, outside agencies, and the public.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, electronic document management systems, and legal researchdatabases.
BENEFITSOF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:
MercerCounty is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports thehealth, financial security, and professional development of our employees.
Benefits include:
Access to health and wellnesscoverage
Retirement and deferredcompensation plans
Generous paid time off andleave programs
Ongoing training and tuitionassistance
Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements :
Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.
Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.
