Research Assistant MSEA-D

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Research Assistant (Senior Paralegal/Supervisor)

Child Support Division

Opening Date:  May 12, 2026

Closing Date:  Until Filled

Job Class Code:  0678

Grade:  1

Salary:  $54,579.20 – $77,459.20 *Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General*

Supervisory Bargaining Unit

Position # 006000452

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented and compassionate Senior Paralegal to join our Child Support team in our Augusta office.  In this position, you will play a vital role in supporting our Division Chief and two AAGs with active caseloads.  This Senior Paralegal also serves as the direct supervisor of eight administrative support professionals in our Augusta, Portland, Bangor and Caribou Offices.   This entails training and support as well as distributing workloads and planning coverage, directing and overseeing staff to meet the work goals of 9 AAGs and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.

If you enjoy meaningful work, thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in staying organized and helping others, we’d love to meet you.  Our ideal candidate will be self-directed, highly organized and accurate to provide day-to-day support to our team of attorneys by drafting, proofreading and filing pleadings and correspondence.  You will keep our schedules running seamlessly by managing calendars and court dates; organizing our case files with precision and care; and tracking deadlines.

We are seeking a team player who can also work independently with confidence, someone who is proactive, dependable and solutions-focused, able to work with attorneys and staff at all levels and able to communicate professionally with the client, the public, co-workers and supervisors.  A strong work ethic is imperative.  We work in a supportive team atmosphere, with the potential for tele-work after an initial probationary period.

The ideal candidate must be self-directed but collaborative, highly organized, and efficient, with excellent writing and communication skills. The candidate must have proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and Adobe Acrobat. The candidate must be able to expertly communicate with the client, attorneys, administrative staff, clerks and the public.

Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience in the subject area of family law who have a demonstrable ability to assist attorneys with heavy and complicated caseloads.

Office of the Attorney General

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelors Degree and three (3) years of paralegal experience in a law firm, court, or legal services agency - OR - an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.  At least one year of experience directly supervising staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing coaching -OR- demonstrated progression of responsibility that includes mentoring, training, or directing the work of others.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience supporting multiple attorneys in a law office setting and who are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite products.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter that highlights your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Include resume, writing sample, three references and complete the online direct hire application.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Assistant Attorney General, Division Chief Debby Willis via email or you may call 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.