Paralegal, Grant Services Specialist II (NCS) - Department of Housing and Community Development Permits and Litigation

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$43,901.00 - $69,639.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range:

$43,901.00 - $56,770.00 Annually

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

NOTE: GRANT POSITIONS ARE NOT ELIGINLE FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Job Summary

The Department of Housing - Code Enforcement Legal Sections performs legal work for Baltimore City addressing a wide variety of neighborhood, drug nuisance, zoning, illegal dumping and housing code enforcement issues.   Paralegals will support the Department and their Attorneys as they prepare and file civil injunctions, receiverships, and criminal code enforcement cases of varying complexity in circuit and district courts.  Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Essential Functions

The Paralegal Will perform a variety of legal duties related to assisting Attorneys in various aspects of legal work including researching, interpreting and applying laws, investigating facts and preparing complex legal documents for filing in court. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek that will rarely include evenings and weekends. Work is performed mainly in an office where normal working conditions are encountered. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Have an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice or Political Science from an accredited college or university.

AND

Experience: Have three years of experience in performing paralegal work.

OR

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Have a high school diploma or possess GED certificate and five years of experience in performing paralegal work as a Legal Assistant or Legal Secretary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles, procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts and methods of legal research and analysis.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and criminal prosecution process.
• Knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques.
• Skill in conducting legal research.
• Skill in examining official documents and extracting pertinent information.
• Skill in drafting a wide variety of complex legal memoranda and other legal documents.
• Skill in communicating with the public, community groups, attorneys, officials and service agencies.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective liaisons with attorneys, law enforcement officials, judicial system employees, victims and witnesses.
• Ability to use good judgement and tact in resolving human relations conflicts.
• Skill in developing evidence to support litigation activities.
• Ability to ascertain, evaluate, communicate and address community concerns.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups in order promote and explain agency policies, practices and procedures
• Ability to summarize prior and current criminal charges and convictions.
• Ability to comprehend legal concepts and Federal, State and City laws.
• Ability to utilize specialized legal software applications and related computer systems.
• Ability to maintain confidential records and prepare detailed legal reports.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER