Secretary Associate Legal - Child Protection Division

Opening Date: April 11, 2024

Closing Date: April 26, 2024

Job Class Code: 6556

Grade: 17

Salary: $38,916.80 - $53,851.20/annually

Position #006000465

Bargaining Unit: Administrative Services

The Office of the Attorney General is looking to hire a dynamic individual to fill a Secretary Legal vacancy in our Augusta Office, Child Protection Division. The position provides support to multiple AAGs in our Child Protection Division and involves clerical and administrative responsibilities that require sound knowledge of legal processes, procedures, terminology and documents. Proficiency is required in word processing, document management, record keeping, data management, file preparation, organization and archiving, calendar management, careful scheduling for multiple attorneys, and a variety of communications. 

The ideal candidate must be self-directed, motivated, flexible, organized, efficient and produce high quality, accurate work product. The candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and work ethic, with a positive, can-do attitude, a willingness to learn new skills and the ability to adjust to shifting responsibilities. It is essential that the successful candidate work well as part of a team and adapt well to rapid changes in a fast-paced legal environment.

Typical Duties

  • Create and use varied correspondence formats and compose standard business correspondence
  • Prepare court documents including pleadings, motions, orders, summonses and subpoenas
  • Receive, open, sort, weigh and route incoming/outgoing mail
  • Maintain calendars and schedules
  • Proofread and/or edit letters, memos, briefs and other legal documents
  • Examine documents/information, determine facts, detect errors and irregularities, and take action as authorized
  • Use computerized and manual filing systems

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a general knowledge of the principles and practices of office processes and administrative functions to perform routine secretarial support tasks, and 2) the ability to use independent decision-making on the appropriate processes to follow, information to process and actions to take in accordance with standard procedures.

Preference will be given to individuals who meet the above qualifications, have experience with Microsoft Office Suite products, are experienced working with multiple attorneys in a law office setting, and are familiar with court rules, forms of pleadings and service of process.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter that highlights your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required. 

Include resume, writing sample, three references (to include one work-related reference),and complete the direct hire online application.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Assistant Attorney General, Division Chief Ariel.Piers-Gamble or you may call 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

  • Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
  • Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
  • Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 
  • Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
  • Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
  • Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
  • Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
  • Learn aboutadditional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.