Appeals Paralegal - Paralegal, St. Paul, Minnesota

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Appeals Paralegal
Job Class: Paralegal
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/15/2024
• Closing Date: 05/06/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office AFSCME
• Division/Unit: DHS - Central Office / Appeals Paralegal Supv
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $27.98 - $35.96 / hourly; $58,422 - $75,084 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: C
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

*** Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.***

As the Appeals Paralegal, you will assist the Department of Human Services (DHS) to stay in compliance with state and federal laws by providing the Appeals Division with the following advanced legal support services:

• Contacting parties involved in administrative hearings on behalf of the Appeals Division and the human service judge assigned to the case to gather information or respond to inquiries.

• Consulting with human services judges to schedule and reschedule evidentiary hearings.

• Drafting legal documents.

• Preparing appeal files for hearing.

• Assisting human services judges with management of the case throughout the appeals process.

• Providing support for implementation of an online appeals management system.

• Providing additional legal support through the creation of metric reports and participation in special projects.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**

Completion of formal paralegal or legal assistant coursework from an accredited program which resulted in a program certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree or post bachelor's degree;

OR

One (1) years' experience as a paralegal, legal secretary or legal assistant in a legal setting;

OR

Two (2) years' experience working with administrative hearings and administrative hearing law procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of human services laws and programs.

• Understanding of legal requirements for fair hearings, administrative law procedures and the administrative fair hearing process.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Proficient computer skills in Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint, etc.
• Knowledge/Experience with MAXIS, MMIS or Minnesota Eligibility Technology System (METS).
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Kaitlin Mackes at kaitlin.mackes@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@state.mn.us .

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services' ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.