Job details

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Work type: Hybrid
Compensation: $46,827 - $70,592/yr
Posted: 4 days ago
Apply on: governmentjobs.com

About this role

THE POSITION

As a Legal Assistant 2 with the Department of Human Services (DHS), you build on your experience to support vital appeals work for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. You help process complex cases, prepare clear and accurate legal materials, and maintain strong communication with judges and participants. This position gives you the chance to deepen your skills, strengthen daily operations, and support a fair and organized appeals process. Step into a role where your expertise, attention to detail, and leadership help elevate the standards that guide the Bureau.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position reviews appeals, prepares legal documents, and supports Administrative Law Judges by ensuring timely, accurate processing of cases for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals. As a Legal Assistant 2, you will perform the following duties:

Appeal Review: Analyze appeals for compliance, apply regulations, and track deadlines for timely processing
Scheduling Duties: Set hearing schedules, determine venues, prepare orders, and coordinate interpreter needs
Document Support: Prepare subpoenas, orders, adjudications, and other legal documents for judge review
Case Coordination: Communicate with parties and legal counsel while protecting confidentiality and preventing unauthorized communication
Record Management: Maintain calendars, process appeal updates, upload adjudications, and manage disposition information
Staff Support: Assist with training, redistribute work, and provide guidance to Legal Assistant 1 employees

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
Overtime as needed
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of your probationary period and training period. Work assignments will primarily take place in the office. Telework may be available based upon individual eligibility and the operational needs of the Bureau. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Organization or Location Restrictions:

This posting is restricted to Department of Human Services, Bureau of Hearings and Appeals employees only.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

One year as a Legal Assistant 1; or
Four years of responsible clerical, investigative or enforcement work including one year of legal clerical support experience; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

Seniority rights apply for Legal Assistant 1s
Seniority/Promotion Unit: 001

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
- Seniority Promotion
- Seniority Unit Lateral

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Legal Assistant 1 for one or more years full-time?

Yes
No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

How many years of full-time responsible clerical, investigative, or enforcement work do you possess?

4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

05

Do you possess one or more years of full-time legal clerical support experience?

Yes
No

06

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

07

How much college coursework have you completed?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

120 credits or more
90 but less than 120 credits
60 but less than 90 credits
30 but less than 60 credits
Less than 30 credits
None

08

Have you completed six or more college credits in the legal field (such as civil litigation, legal research and writing, business law, or other related areas)?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

Yes
No

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Website LinkedIn