Paralegal/Legal Assistant 1 (PN 20077736)

BWC’s core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across BWC departments. Most positions perform work on-site at one of BWC’s seven offices across the state. BWC offers flex-time work schedules that allow an employee to start the day as early as 7:00am or as late as 8:30am. Flex-time schedules are based on operational need and require supervisor approval.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Working with settlement attorneys to administer the "intent to settle," process.
• Assisting with processing of administrative settlements.
• Reviewing Workers' Compensation claims.
• Coordinating matters/issues with the Ohio Attorney General's office and external attorneys.
• Updating Sharepoint database and settlement workbooks.
• Assisting with general office duties related to the Director of the unit.
• Assisting with general Medicare duties related to the Medicare Secondary Payer Act, and SCHIP Extension act.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

To Qualify, You Must Clearly Demonstrate:

Successful completion of certification program for paralegal or legal assistant.

• Or 12 mos. law school training.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualification for Employment noted above.

Major Worker Characteristics:

Knowledge of legislative/administrative rule processes*; legal research; legal terminology; legal issue recognition; case & statutory interpretation; legal analysis; law; state &/or federal laws & rules applicable to assigned department*; court filing procedures; legal communication; rules of evidence; Sub. HB27*; IC*; AG*.

Skill in use of office equipment (e.g. photocopiers, personal computers)*; BWC software*; workers’ compensation databases & computer systems*.

Ability to use proper research methods in gathering data; deal with many variables & determine recommended specific course of action; prepare legal/procedural materials & related information for review, approval & signature &/or use attorney; handle sensitive & routine inquiries from & contacts with public, legal personnel & business officials.

(*) Developed after employment.

EEO & ADA Statement:
The State of Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees due to protected classes as defined in applicable federal law, state law, and any effective executive order.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment opportunities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request reasonable accommodations related to disability, pregnancy, or religion, please contact the ADA mailbox [email protected].

BWC OCSEA Selection Rights:
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. BWC bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

Salary Information:
Hourly wage is expected to be paid at step 1 of the pay range associated with the position for candidates who are new employees of the state. Current employees of the state will be placed in the appropriate step based on any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. Movement to the next step of the pay range (a roughly 4% increase) will occur after six months, assuming job performance is acceptable. Thereafter, an employee will advance one step in the pay range every year until the highest step of the pay range is reached. There may also be possible cost of living adjustments (COLA) and longevity supplements begin after five (5) years of state service.

Transportation:
Position may require travel; therefore, persons occupying this position must be able to provide own transportation &/or legally operate a state-owned vehicle.

Educational Transcripts:
For any educational achievements to be considered during the screening process, you must at least attach an unofficial transcript that details the coursework you have completed.
All applicants must submit an Ohio Civil Service Application using the online Ohio Hiring Management System. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Background Check:
Prior to an offer of employment, the final applicant will be required to sign a background check authorization form and undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.