Legal Assistant 1 - Central Region - Berks

Legal Assistant 1 - Central Region - BerksPrint (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4658751) ApplyLegal Assistant 1 - Central Region - BerksSalary$39,785.00 - $59,384.00 AnnuallyLocation Berks County, PAJob TypeCivil Service Permanent Full-TimeJob NumberCS-2024-93900-07010DepartmentDepartment of Human ServicesDivisionHS Bur Hrngs ApplOpening Date09/19/2024Closing Date10/2/2024 11:59 PM EasternJob Code07010Position Number50654890UnionAFSCMEBargaining UnitA1Pay GroupST04Bureau / Division Code00211780Bureau / DivisionBureau of Hearings and AppealsWorksite Address625 Cherry StreetWorksite Address4th FloorCityReading, PennsylvaniaZip Code19602Contact NameYvonne ShetzlineContact Phone717.736.8930Contact Emailyshetzline@pa.gov

Description

Benefits

Questions

THE POSITIONThe Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Hearings and Appeals, is seeking dedicated and highly organized candidates for a Legal Assistant 1 position. This is an entry-level administrative position which performs a variety of legal administrative tasks related to the core functions of the bureau. The Bureau of Hearings and Appeals is charged with receiving, processing, conducting, and adjudicating administrative appeals and hearings in a fair, unbiased, and timely manner and in accordance with state and federal regulations. We operate in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, processing a substantial volume of appeals on an annual basis. If this sounds like your calling, apply today! DESCRIPTION OF WORKAs a Legal Assistant 1, you will conduct legal clerical work inclusive of the processing and scheduling of appeals and fair hearings involving actions taken by both the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. A keen attention to detail is vital to review and analyze appeals and related legal documents and correspondence, as well as the decisions written by the bureau’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). This professional ensures appeals are processed promptly and in compliance with regulations, in addition to providing crucial legal clerical support for ALJs and Legal Assistant 2s within DHS and the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. You must exercise ongoing confidentiality surrounding all cases and documents. Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PDNEOGOV.asp?p=50654890) . Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment

Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the probationary and training period. Work assignments will primarily take place in the office, however telework may be available based upon individual eligibility and the operational needs of the bureau. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Reading.

Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Three years of responsible clerical, enforcement or investigative work; or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

You must provide complete and accurate information or:

your score may be lower than deserved.

you may be disqualified.

You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !Health & WellnessWe offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.Compensation & Financial PlanningWe invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life BalanceWe know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities. Values and CultureWe believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.Employee PerksSometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.Eligibility rules apply.01 How many years of full-time responsible clerical, enforcement, or investigative work do you possess?

A. 3 years or more

B. 2 but less than 3 years

C. 1 but less than 2 years

D. Less than 1 year

E. None

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

How much college coursework have you completed?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

A. 90 credits or more

B. 60 but less than 90 credits

C. 30 but less than 60 credits

D. Less than 30 credits

E. None

04

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

Yes

05

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONCompiles information, briefs, motions, pleadings, reports, court filings, and other legal documents. Prepares standard legal forms and formats legal document submissions from written or dictated sources. Proos and corrects drafts for grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and legal citation.

Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience compiling information for various types of documents and reports. I was responsible for compiling the entire document or report.

B. I have experience compiling information for various types of documents and reports. Someone else was responsible for compiling the final report using the information I gathered.

C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, or journalism.

D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

06

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

The types of documents that you compiled, formatted, or proo.

Your level of responsibility.

07

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

08

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - CUSTOMER SERVICEInteracts with the public, courts, clients, parties, to include attorneys of record, or other personnel to gather information, acts as a liaison between staff, and explains rules, regulations, and policies to staff. Provides appropriate responses to inquiries and refers individuals to the appropriate area for assistance as necessary. Schedules hearings and conferences.

Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience receiving customer inquiries and requests. I was responsible for answering questions and providing technical information as necessary.

B. I have experience receiving customer inquiries and requests. I was responsible for answering general questions but referred customers to someone else for responses to technical questions.

C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications, public speaking, public relations, conflict resolution, or interviewing.

D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

09

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

The type of customer service you provided and to whom you provided it.

Your level of responsibility.

10

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - REVIEWING AND MAINTAINING DOCUMENTSReviews and maintains legal documents, files, and manuals for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Maintains and tracks appeals, administrative requests, correspondence, and filings using electronic databases and paper case files. Reviews all appeals and assigns the appropriate docket number based upon the issue(s) appealed. Updates corresponding legal documents when necessary and sends the appropriate documentation to parties. Reviews recommendations, Final Orders, appeals, and judicial rulings for consistency with laws and regulations.

Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience reviewing and maintaining databases, documents, and manuals. I was responsible for evaluating recommended changes for accuracy and clarity and making those changes as needed.

B. I have experience maintaining databases, documents, and manuals. I was responsible for making changes based on recommendations which were evaluated for accuracy and clarity by someone else.

C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to electronic records management, documents management, records retention, record keeping, information confidentiality, records management, or business law.

D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

The type of documents you reviewed and maintained.

Your level of responsibility.

13

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATIONConducts legal research by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information related to legal and regulatory requirements. Reviews appeal files and coordinates information from other personnel to provide hearing or trial support.

Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

A. I have experience researching records and files for various projects and reports. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available documents from a variety of data sources.

B. I have experience retrieving specifically requested records and files from a single records location.

C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to legal research, research methods, statistics, research design and analysis, or data collection.

D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

15

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

The type of research you conducted, information you analyzed and interpreted, and for what reason(s).

Your level of responsibility.

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

AgencyCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress613 North StreetHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120Websitehttp://www.employment.pa.gov