What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal I position at Caldwell County Government?
Department
DSS
Location
Lenoir NC
Salary
$44,890.00 - $66,830.00
Open Date
03/19/2026
Description
Paralegal I
SOCIAL SERVICES
Caldwell County Department of Social Services envisions a community where every person feels included, supported, and valued and every action we take intentionally contributes to the ongoing improvement and strengthening of our community. We strive to create a positive impact and are committed to ensuring the safety and improving the welfare of every citizen we serve.
If you are committed to supporting our mission and want to be a part of our dynamic workforce driven by teamwork and support to improve the lives of every person we encounter, we would love for you to come join our team!
Caldwell County offers competitive salaries along with a benefit package that can be tailored to suit your family’s needs.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This is paralegal work performed under the general supervision of an attorney in a local county agency. Employees are responsible for a variety of assignments which may include but not be limited to drafting, reviewing, and approving for form and legality various legal instruments; preparing routine opinions on regulations, procedures, and operations of a unit or agency, for an attorney's/agency general counsel’s approval; handling complaints and inquiries of a legal nature from the public, and administratively maintaining a law office. Work involves research into laws and legal precedents. Employees may present findings with preliminary legal analysis subject to professional legal review. Work is reviewed through inspection, conferences, reports, and review of completed work.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES PERFORMED
- Demonstrates ability to support attorneys through timely and accurate creation of legal documents, court reports, court orders, and administrative upkeep of legal files.
- Assists with pre-trial litigation, notices, draft orders, and pleadings. Reviews various legal documents for accuracy and completeness and maintains court files for the child welfare attorneys.
- Responsible for working directly with child welfare social workers to obtain appropriate legal information for court action and to offer appropriate legal guidance for completing petitions, court reports, and other documents.
- Demonstrates a high level of understanding of the legal process regarding Juvenile Law, court processes, and Child Welfare policy. Assists the agency in complying with Federal and State statutes.
- Gathers accurate and appropriate information for subpoenas, petitions, and other legal actions; specifically for Child Support and Adult Services, but also assists with Child Welfare.
- Utilizes the Child Support ACTS system to gather appropriate information that is needed for court preparation and legal action.
- Completes searches for information and individuals that pertain to legal actions for Child Support, Adult Services, and Child Welfare.
- Demonstrates the ability to work in an organized and timely fashion that is dependent on meeting deadlines driven by the legal system and program policies.
- Demonstrates the ability to work competently and professionally with the attorneys, social workers, and child support staff across multiple program areas.
- Able to keep legal information in the most strict of confidence and understands the serious nature of privacy in the legal field.
- As a part of the legal team, is able to function in a professional and mature manner with all outside legal field entities and represents the agency in a positive manner.
RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of case, statutory, and common law.
- Basic knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
- Ability to perform legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions as to methods or approach, source material available, and policy and precedent of the office.
- Ability to summarize facts and evidence and prepare legal instruments.
- Ability to communicate clearly and logically in oral and written form.
- Ability to utilize technology in research and writing assignments.
- Ability to create spreadsheets to capture and analyze data.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons contacted in the course of work
- Ability to handle working with/reading about sensitive situations
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an appropriately accredited institution for paralegal training; or Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of substantive paralegal experience; or High school or General Education Development (GED) diploma and five years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
BENEFITS
- Health Insurance
- Dental Care
- Sick & Annual Leave
- 12 paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursements
- Longevity
- Retirement (401K, 457, Tax Deferred Programs)
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Initiative Program
Salary : $44,890 - $66,830