LEGAL ASSISTANT II AND III - OAHU

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LEGAL ASSISTANT II AND III - OAHU

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Island of Oahu

Job Type

Various

Job Number

21-0338

Department

Attorney General

Opening Date

08/07/2021

Closing Date

Continuous

Recruitment Information

Recruitment Number 21-0338 - There are currently eight (8) vacancies with the Department of Attorney General located in Ewa and Downtown.  Three of the eight vacancies is for temporary-full-time employment.

Salary:  Legal Assistant II:   $4,339 to $5,282 per month (SR-18, Step D to I)
              Legal Assistant III:  $4,690 to $5,713 per month (SR-20, Step D to I)

Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.

NOTE: Employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. Once you become a member of the civil service, you become eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to an employee in a permanent position with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force.

This continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaii's Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.

This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancies and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

 

 

Duties Summary

Performs paralegal work in support of attorneys; provides preliminary legal consultation services to line departmental personnel; establishes evidence and develops cases; performs legal research; prepares drafts, outlines or summaries of legal subjects, laws, statutes, briefs and other legal documents; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Level II is the entry level Legal Assistant and reflects workers who are fully competent in basic paralegal functions, procedures, techniques and skills, but must receive on-the-job orientation in State paralegal work and develop working relationships with court personnel, State line departmental personnel, attorneys, legal clerical staff and others who are contacted in the course of the work.
 
Level III provides the full range of paralegal services required in an assigned program area.  Positions independently provide preliminary legal consultation services to line departmental personnel; establish evidence and develop cases; perform legal research; prepare drafts, outlines or summaries of legal subjects, laws, statutes, briefs and other legal documents and related duties.  Work at this level may also include training new legal assistant employees.  

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants will be placed on the eligible list for ALL levels for which they are qualified.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Legal Authorization to Work :
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
 
General Experience: Four years of paralegal work experience which demonstrates that the applicant possesses knowledge of interviewing techniques, rules of evidence, the legal system and procedures, legal research methods and sources of legal information, and that the applicant also has the ability to understand and explain legal processes and procedures, evaluate and analyze facts and legal issues, prepare legal reports, documents and correspondence, speak clearly and follow oral and written instructions.

Specialized Experience:  For Level III:  Six (6) months Government paralegal work experience which demonstrates that the applicant has knowledge of government paralegal functions and the ability to provide preliminary legal consultation services to government personnel; establish evidence and develop the government's position in legal cases; and perform legal research and prepare drafts, outlines or summaries of legal subjects, laws, statutes, briefs and other legal documents.

Note: Experience as a legal stenographer or legal secretary involving only the checking, filing, and processing of legal forms and documents is not considered qualifying.

Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply.

The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
 

02141-02142:010312:13:KSM

Other Information

The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.  If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0936 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.  To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.  For more information, please click:  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner.  In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.

In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.

YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI'I

The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.

Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.


With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.


Paid Holidays

You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.


Paid Vacation

You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match – 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.


Paid Sick Leave

You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation – 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.


Other Leaves

Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.


Health Insurance

The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.


Group Life Insurance

The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.


Retirement Plan

The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.


Premium Conversion Plan

Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.


Flexible Spending Accounts

Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.


Transportation Benefits

Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.


Deferred Compensation

The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.


Temporary Disability Insurance

Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.


Social Security

As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.


Promotions & Transfers

For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.


Training & Continuing Education

The State supports developmental activities related to an employee's work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.


Travel Expenses

The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.


Incentive & Service Awards

The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.


Union & Collective Bargaining

Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.


The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.



CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaii's Benefits At-A-Glance.



The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer


 

Revised 01/13

01
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.

Please read the following information carefully.
A. At a minimum, applicants must submit a cover letter, detailed resume, list of recent professional references, as well as responses to the required Supplemental Question(s).

DHRD and the hiring agency will use the information provided by the applicant to determine whether he/she meets the Minimum Qualification Requirements and/or the final score as applicable. Failure to provide complete and detailed information may result in the application being delayed, rejected, or a lower score.
B. The resume must include each employer's name, complete employment dates (from/to, month/year), your job title and a detailed description of your job duties with the employer as they directly address each of the Requirements.
C. You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as directed) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at a regionally accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
D. To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, applicants must submit an official letter of verification from the employer. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked per week, a description of the duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
E. Applicants must meet all Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQRs), as of the date of application.
F. Any information you submit may be verified.
G. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide complete and accurate information which will clearly substantiate whether he/she meets the MQRs.
H. Possession of the required number of years of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The applicant's overall experience must have been of such scope and level of responsibility so as to conclusively demonstrate that he/she has the ability to perform the duties of the position being sought.
I. Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office at: State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development, 235 South Beretania Street -- 11th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.
J. The applicant hereby certifies that the information provided to DHRD and the hiring agency is complete, accurate, and true to the best of his/her knowledge. Any misstatement of fact provided during the application or selection process may result in corrective action, including termination from service.
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to all of the above.
02
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)

A link to the Minimum Qualification Requirements has been provided in the job announcement. Please review the requirements in their entirety.
  • I acknowledge that I have accessed the link provided, and have read and understand the Minimum Qualification Requirements in their entirety.
03
GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many years of PARALEGAL work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements do you possess ?
  • No Experience
  • 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
  • 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
  • 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
  • 4 or more years of experience
04
GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: REQUIRED INFORMATION BELOW MUST SUPPLEMENT YOUR RESUME.
If you stated 'No Experience' in the question above, please indicate 'N/A' below.

If you stated that you possess the General Experience, identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information.

Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately. The information for EACH employer should include:

A. Name of employer, dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr), your official job title and number of hours per week spent collectively on the duties below.
B. Describe this employer, the services provided and to whom (describe clientele)?
C. What department or section did you work in? What was the primary function and major duties and responsibilities of your position?

D. Describe your experience that demonstrates your knowledge and abilities in each of the following areas. Include your specific role, the steps you took, and give relevant examples.
1) Interviewing techniques.
2) Rules of evidence.
3) The legal system and procedures.
4) Legal research methods and sources of legal information.
5) The ability to understand and explain legal processes and procedures.
6) The ability to evaluate and analyze facts and legal issues.
7) The ability to prepare legal reports, documents, and correspondence.
8) The ability to speak clearly and follow oral and written instructions.

E. Did this employer have or employ a separate entity or person to whom all legal questions and/or representation were referred to? If yes, what was the relationship of your position to this entity?
F. What was the official job title of your supervisor? How did your responsibilities and authority differ from those of your supervisor?

Be specific and complete in your responses. Employers and each position held must be identified in your resume. We do not make assumptions.

If your write up and resume are unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description.
05
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many months of GOVERNMENT PARALEGAL work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements do you possess ?
  • No experience
  • 6 months or more of experience
06
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: REQUIRED INFORMATION BELOW MUST SUPPLEMENT YOUR RESUME.
If you stated 'No Experience' in the question above, please indicate 'N/A' below.

If you stated that you possess the Specialized Experience, identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information.

Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately. The information for EACH employer should include:

A. Name of Government agency you worked for, your dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr), and your job title.
B. Describe this employer, the kinds of services provided and to whom (describe clientele)?
C. What department or section did you work in? What was the primary function and major duties and responsibilities of your position?

D. Describe your experience, that demonstrates your knowledge and abilities in each of the following areas. Include your specific role, the steps you took, and give relevant examples.
1) Knowledge of Government Paralegal functions.
2) Ability to provide preliminary legal consultation services to Government personnel.
3) Ability to establish evidence and develop the Governments positions in legal cases.
4) Ability to perform legal research and prepare drafts, outlines or summaries of legal subjects, laws, statutes, briefs and other legal documents.

E. What was the official job title of your supervisor? How did your duties and authority differ from those of your supervisor?

Be specific and complete in your responses. Employers and each position held must be identified in your resume. We do not make assumptions.

If your write up and resume are unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description.
07
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GENERAL AND/OR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Please indicate if you are using the substitution to meet the General Experience requirement.

In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, by attaching it to your online application, if you have not already done so.

Your education may not substitute for all of the required experience. Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements (see link) for more information.
  • I am not using the substitution
  • Graduation from a regionally and ABA accredited Legal Assistant training program with at least 60 semester credit hours
  • Partial completion of training at a regionally and ABA accredited Legal Assistant training program or school of Law with at least 15 semester credit hours
  • I possess a LAW degree from a regionally and ABA approved law school

Required Question

Agency
State of Hawai'i
Address
DHRD - Employee Staffing Division

235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone
808-587-0936 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)
*******
Website
http://jobs.hawaii.gov/
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