Legal Assistant - Southwest Region

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) has an opening for a Legal Assistant within the Southwest Litigation Unit located in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Job Posting Number: 4106 8860010

Semi-monthly salary: The current rate for this position is $1,970.39

Annual salary: $47,289.36

Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Job Location: This position will be located in the Landers State Office Building at 149 Park Central Square, Room 925, Springfield, MO.

All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Why you’ll love this position: Are you passionate about public service? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Missouri children and families? Join our team of professionals providing legal support to attorneys that represent the Department of Social Services (DSS) in court, with special focus on permanency including reunification with a parent, guardianship, termination of parental rights/adoption, and other planned permanent living arrangements. At DLS, you’ll enjoy collaborating as part of a diverse team of attorneys and legal support staff located in offices all around the state.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

This is a first-level legal support position responsible for directly supporting multiple Litigation attorneys who advise and represent the Department and its program divisions in various types of cases in juvenile, probate, family, and circuit court, and administrative hearings. The duties of this position include providing direct administrative and legal support to attorneys in the regional office. Under the guidance and direction of an attorney, a Legal Assistant may perform research, file legal documents, facilitate case management, and draft legal instruments and correspondence.

Qualifications - All you need for success Minimum Qualifications:

An Associate’s degree; or two or more years’ experience providing administrative support. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Ability to exhibit professionalism in written, oral, and in-person communications is required. Prior experience working in a legal environment preferred, but not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience at an executive level in a large agency; the ability to motivate staff and exact culture and systemic change; and a heart for service and passion for helping others. Strong leadership and decision-making skills are critical to success in this position. Candidates should have a commitment to collaborative working relationships.

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

If you have questions about this position, please contact: Marina Sterling-Wagner at Marina.Wagner@dss.mo.gov

If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.

Recruitment Area: All qualified applicants.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.