State of Connecticut Executive Branch

DCJ Paralegal Specialist Trainee (2617CJ)

$30.12-$39.22 Hourly / $2,409.35-$3,137.13 BiWeekly /
$62,884.00-$81,879.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Division of Criminal Justice this class is accountable for receiving formal and/or on-the-job instruction and training designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify for appointment to the DCJ Paralegal Specialist classification.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

This class is to be used as a recruitment and development vehicle for the class of DCJ Paralegal Specialist. Upon successful completion of the one year training program, individuals shall be reclassified to DCJ Paralegal Specialist. This class is to be used only for individuals who do not currently meet the minimum Experience and Training requirements of the DCJ Paralegal Specialist class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the limited direction of an attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May supervise clerical staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Receives formal and/or on-the-job training in introductory administrative, paraprofessional and technical paralegal work designed to develop knowledge and skills needed in order to qualify for appointment and advancement to the DCJ Paralegal Specialist classification; 
  • Performs a wide variety of increasingly complex, diversified and difficult duties as competencies are acquired during course of training period and in accordance with approved time schedule; 
  • Processes increasingly involved legal work of the agency; 
  • Receives on-the-job training regarding legal research, drafting legislation, advisory opinions, and various other legal documents; 
  • Receives training on such functions as reproduction of legal documents and exhibits; 
  • Maintains records of cases, pleadings, statutes, and other related documents; 
  • Prepares legal and administrative reports; 
  • Receives training on interviewing witnesses and clients; 
  • May answer routine correspondence and telephone inquiries; 
  • May assist in review of cases and/or petitions for procedural compliance with agency administrative hearing rules and procedures; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • basic legal processes; 
    • legal terminology and legal forms; 
    • legal research techniques; 
    • office management principles and practices; 
    • statutes and regulations; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to
    • read, understand and interpret law, legal documents and other written material; 
    • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s degree in legal studies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are completed.
  • Incumbents in this class will be eligible for promotion to DCJ Paralegal Specialist upon satisfactory completion of a one (1) year training program.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Unclassified

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(18)-Legal

BARGAINING UNIT

(53)-DCJ NON-MANAGER EXMP

EEO

(5)-Para-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

CJ 18

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the job class of DCJ Paralegal Specialist Trainee in Salary Group CJ 18 approved effective July 11, 2014. (Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section) Final No. 23-248

EFFECTIVE DATE

09/22/2023
CLASS: 2617CJ; EST: 7/11/2014; REV: 9/25/2023;