Paralegal

Job Description

About the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General ("Treasury")

Our mission is to manage and safeguard the State's public deposits and investments through sound business practices for the exclusive benefits of our citizens, and perform these duties with integrity, excellence, and leadership. Additionally, we strive to provide economic opportunity, stability, and security for every Massachusetts resident.

We are committed to excellence in recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse and qualified individuals. We value the culture of diversity and professionalism in the workplace, and strongly believe that our workforce should reflect our community.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FM68GFV

Purpose of the Job:
The Massachusetts State Retirement Board ("MSRB") is a department within the Office of the State Treasurer & Receiver General that administers a defined benefit retirement plan for eligible employees of the Commonwealth and certain independent entities. The plan is the Massachusetts State Employees Retirement System ("MSERS"). Established in 1911, the MSRB supports more than 85,000 active members and more than 68,000 retirees & beneficiaries. The MSRB annually issues more than $2.75B in benefits.

The MSRB Legal Unit is responsible for providing legal counsel to MSRB members and staff in a high-volume work setting. The paralegal assists to provide legal support services to MSRB attorneys and senior management. In significant part, the paralegal plays a lead role reviewing and evaluating group classification applications.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Review, evaluate, and administer group classification applications submitted by state employees on a timely basis and present recommendations during monthly MSRB meetings.
• Assist legal staff to prepare for hearings before the administrative and/or other adjudicatory bodies to defend against appeals filed by MSERS members.
• Review, track, and categorize all appeal filings and cases and maintain case management system .
• Assist the Board in responding to subpoenas or public records requests regarding members .
• Assist the Board attorneys and staff with preparation of internal & external hearings and related litigation .
• Prepare files and update as necessary .
• Gather documentation and information from State and Federal court systems and law enforcement agencies .
• Provide support during and after monthly Board meetings, including drafting of agendas and related member correspondence.
• Assist Board Hearing Officers to manage hearings on matters related to the administration of retirement benefits .
• Perform any other related legal tasks as required .

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare summary analyses of administrative and court decisions on matters impacting the MSRB .
• Participate in professional development programs and bar association programs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills:

• License/certification: Paralegal certification. (May substitute with at least three-years' experience in paralegal/legal
  assistant position)
• Experience: I - 6 years of experience in law department of a company or governmental agency or law firm .
• Abilities/ skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent research and organizational skills; strong customer service skills; empathetic; and adaptable
• Education background: B.A. or B.S. from accredited college a plus, but not required .
• Familiarity with administrative law legislative process and promulgation of regulations a plus, but not required