Paralegal (00129)

This first review of applications will be July 23, 2025. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners. 

Benefits of working for OPI:

·         Work/life balance

·         Family friendly

·         Dedicated and caring colleagues

·         Health coverage

·         Retirement plans

·         Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

·         Opportunities and room for professional growth

·         Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: This position reports directly to the Chief Legal Counsel.  Must use personal initiative and judgment to resolve most problems and situations. This position is responsible for coordinating services of the Legal Division to ensure that operations are managed in a timely, efficient, and professional manner. This includes components of duties related to Educator Licensure

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

·         Knowledge of the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure, Montana District and Supreme Court Rules, and the Montana Administrative Procedures Act.

·         Skilled in Writing and editing, including knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

·         Skilled in the use of computers and programs.

·         Skilled in Interpersonal communication, dealing with the public, answering questions from staff and school personnel, and providing resources.

·         Ability to prioritize, multitask and adhere to strict timelines to meet deadlines.

·         Ability to utilize active listening skills.

·         Ability to diffuse highly invested emotional situations.

·         Ability to conduct legal research, using established practices and legal terms.

·         Ability to create docket systems, calendars and filing systems.

·         Ability to use electronic research resources such as Westlaw.