DOC Legal Services Specialist

Overview

The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform specialized legal work within DOC's Office of the General Counsel.  Duties entail case and document preparation, technical and administrative assistance, paralegal analysis, investigations, research, interpretation, drafting of legal documents and correspondences, and other forms of assistance necessary to facilitate discovery requests and other litigation needs from Assistant Attorneys General assigned to represent DOC in a variety up to 300+ legal matters per year. 

Types of legal matters include civil matters involving challenges to conditions of confinement, constitutional issues, or tort law, filed either in state or federal court, as well as employment or discrimination matters filed with the Human Rights Commission or Vermont Labor Relations Board.  The specialized legal work will also involve responding to subpoenas, court orders, and other legal requests directed towards DOC for criminal, family, and other civil court matters. Work is performed with considerable independence under the supervision of DOC General Counsel or supervising attorney.

Who May Apply

This position, DOC Legal Services Specialist (Job Requisition #48900), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Emily.Carr@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
 

Environmental Factors

Duties are generally performed in office, field, or courtroom settings. Travel may be required for which private transportation must be available. Some evening or overtime work may be required. Incumbents must be able to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deal tactfully with the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, or a related field AND two (2) or more years of experience working in an administrative setting such as a law office, court, corrections or related legal field.

OR

Associate degree in administration, criminal justice or a related field AND three (3) or more years of experience working in an administrative setting such as a law office, court, corrections or related legal field.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND five (5) or more years of experience working in an administrative setting such as a law office, court, corrections or related legal field.

OR

Certification as a paralegal. 

PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Requirements

In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information.  Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.  By submitting this online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and complete.  The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating and verifying your work history.

Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.  You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here.  Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, except for those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.