LEGAL SECRETARY IV

The State of New Hampshire, Office of State and Public Sector Labor Relations has a full-time vacancy for 23-2010 Paralegals and Legal Assistants-3.

Summary:
Supervises legal administrative operations and supports adjudicatory functions involving highly confidential subject matter for the New Hampshire Office of State and Public Sector Labor Relations (Office). This includes responsibility for the Right to Know Ombudsman’s Office (RKO) and the Personnel Appeals Board (PAB), under the supervision of the Executive Director/Counsel.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Associate's degree and 1 year of experience, OR an equivalent combination of 3 years of education and experience after completing high school. Education and experience must be in administrative, secretarial, office support, or related fields, and include some experience with preparing records, scheduling and coordinating meetings, reviewing documents, or managing case files in a legal setting.

License/Certification: Valid driver’s license and access to transportation for statewide travel

Other Requirements: Not applicable

Trainee Option: Candidates with an equivalent combination of 2+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school may be considered and hired in ‘trainee status’ for this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Paralegal or Legal Secretary Certificate.

Proficiency in word processing software including MS Office.

Courses or experience in business math, legal research, records management, legal technology, business law, legal transcription, legal writing, business communications, or legal terminology.

Familiarity with court filing, review of rules, proper legal symbols and filing techniques, as well as legal fundamentals.

AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS : None

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No

Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No

DISCLAIMERS:

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.

The work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.

Responsibilities:

Works at the direction of Office legal staff to maintain and support the operations of the PELRB, RKO, and PAB, including providing administrative support and managing correspondence.

Distinguishes and identifies petitions, complaints, filings, and general inquiries, including: PELRB declaratory rulings, new unit certifications, challenge elections, appointments from neutral lists, unfair labor practice complaints; RKO inquiries, complaints, motions, redacted and unredacted government records; and PAB appeals. Supports the board and professional staff in case processing functions and appellate proceedings to ensure efficient Office operations.

Proofreads, processes, monitors, and maintains case files within the Office or on appeal, including intake and maintenance using case management software, processing all case filings, and docket management in accordance with state law and applicable rules. Utilizes case management software to provide timely notifications to staff and the director of case activity and action items, ensuring compliance with applicable law and rules.

Monitors and implements legal support procedures related to scheduling status conferences, pre-hearing conferences, hearings, and pre-election conferences for the RKO and PAB. Coordinates with professional staff and the director to effectively manage the entire docket and calendar of the RKO, PAB, and PELRB, ensuring all entities are kept informed of the latest actions taken.

Maintains confidentiality of board and professional staff deliberations, and ensures the impartiality of the Office with staff, the board, parties to proceedings, their representatives, other state agencies and branches of state government, the general public, and the media. Promotes public understanding and confidence in the administrative and adjudicatory functions of the PELRB, PAB, and RKO.

Coordinates and schedules pre-election activities and representation elections, ensuring all procedures comply with administrative rules and RSA 273-A:10. Prepares comprehensive election documentation, including formal notices, lists of eligible voters, sample ballots, and election ground rules. Conducts on-site representation elections as assigned by the director, diligently overseeing the process to uphold fairness, accuracy, and integrity of election outcomes.

Manages the PELRB list of arbitrators, bargaining impasse mediators, and fact-finders, including processing petitions for the appointment of mediators, fact-finders, and arbitrators involved in grievance arbitrations and facilitation of contract negotiations.

Tracks and obtains collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for approximately 640 certified bargaining units at the state, county, city, and municipal levels. Maintains reporting requirements and related data for CBAs, decisions, and other forms and publications available on the PELRB webpage, following established practices and procedures.

Handles accounts payable and receivable, including mileage, per diem, expense payments, filing fees, and other payments received by the PELRB. Manages office space rent and supplies and performs data entry and revisions of budget requests in NHFIRST BARS, ensuring compliance with approved budget parameters.

In addition to legal secretary responsibilities, provides administrative support to legal staff, manages correspondence, prepares legal documents, and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Office.

For further information please contact Rebecca Gerlack, Legal Secretary IV at Rebecca.J.Gerlack@pelrb.nh.gov or 603-271-2587.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay

Other Benefits:

• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance

• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964