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DORA/Division of Public Utilities Commission: Legal Assistant II

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workforce that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. the administrative Hearings Section work unit exists to conduct hearings and issue written decisions on contested public utility matters pending before the PUC as required by §40-2-104 and §40-6-101 et seq., C.R.S.

Position: SGA 5144

This position is responsible for the facilitation and the use of technical resources in hearing rooms, relying upon both technical expertise, and understanding of the legal processes. When a hearing reporter is not assigned to a given hearing, and when it is deemed appropriate by the Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or designee, this position will electronically record proceedings and manage exhibits as a hearing reporter. Outside of hearings, this position manages sizable, complex, or non-routine open records requests with the Deputy Director. This position also acts as a clerk to the ALJ. The position develops materials and instructs staff and public hearing participants regarding the availability and use of hearing resources.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting and facilitating the day-to-day operations of the technology used during hearings, ensuring reliable and effective operations;
  • Identifying, tracking, and maintaining notes and exhibits during and after hearings;
  • Documenting and tracking all dates relevant to public records requests; corresponding with parties requesting public records, including questions regarding the scope and relevance of a request; preparing written cost estimates in connection with public records requests; collaborating with agency personnel to ascertain the volume and nature of responsive records;
  • Performing or coordinating the redaction of confidential, exempt, and sensitive information upon the advice of counsel or consistent with policies and procedures;
  • Reviewing and maintaining policies, procedures, and manuals (e.g. including exemptions) to ensure compliance with public records law;
  • Coordinating with the Deputy Director and Attorney General’s office in the design and development of training curriculum, and course materials for staff training about policies and procedures to comply with public records law;
  • Analyzing and organizing materials; and conveying supported conclusions to the assigning ALJ;
  • Drafting decisions on projects as assigned, in a format consistent with the PUC’s standards manual, for modification or completion by an ALJ;
  • Working as a back-up to the Decisions Editor, if needed, to finalize formatting and proof-read decisions in red-line format for the author (the Decisions Editor, among other responsibilities, ensuring the accuracy of Commission’s decisions before issuance as well as consistency with the ‘Commission’s voice,’ Commission’s rules, and previous decisions);
  • Drafting a certificate of service for each decision based upon the procedural posture of the proceeding and in compliance with service of process requirements of the Commission’srules of practices and procedures;
  • Investigating and verifying the accuracy of information appearing in case systems on assigned matters, and making appropriate inquiries to the Commission’s staff assigned to the proceeding if additional information is needed;
  • Reviewing existing Microsoft Office templates, interfaces, and instructions utilized by Administrative Hearings Section, identifying areas of improvement for existing templates as well as opportunities for new templates to automate repetitive tasks;
  • Coordinating with the Chief Administrative Law Judge or designee to develop and provide training and presentations in a learning format, independently or as a co-trainer/facilitator;
  • Collecting evaluations at the closing of training to compile results, provide reports on training effectiveness, and make recommendations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):
  • Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution; AND
  • One year of paralegal experience, which must include all of the following: Conducting legal research; Gathering, analyzing, and compiling data from legal references and resources; Preparing drafts of legal documents by formatting, proofreading, and editing; Experience analyzing documents for completeness, correctness, and/or compliance with laws, rules, policies, and procedures.

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part-time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS:
  • Two years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate;
  • A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate;
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing general PC software applications, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Google Drive, Google forms, Google sheets, etc.);
  • Demonstrated experience working in a high-stress, fast-paced, high profile environment, and adapting to shifting priorities, as needed;
  • Demonstrated case management experience, including managing multiple cases and utilizing case management databases;
  • Demonstrated project management experience, including managing varied and multiple projects to completion;
  • Prior courtroom clerk experience;
  • Demonstrated experience in practicing law, including participating in legal processes by producing legal writing and research;
  • Demonstrated experience creating training manuals for internal and/or external customers, including adjusting materials to fit participant needs;
  • Demonstrated experience assisting with hearing room equipment, including audio, video, and teleconference technology;
  • Demonstrated experience using software and technical resources to scope, identify, organize, and redact documents;
  • Demonstrated experience developing the presentation of evidence for administrative or judicial hearings.

Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):
  • Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;
  • Demonstrated writing skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
  • Demonstrated attention to detail;
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate and analyze reports and records, and reconcile information;
  • Ability to conduct research and gather pertinent information;
  • Sound judgment, including the ability to determine the appropriate course of action when dealing with the public and stakeholders.
  • Flexibility and adaptability with regard to change management, including the ability to adhere to changes in work processes, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a willingness to comply with, and support organizational change(s);
  • Organizational skills, including planning, prioritization, and time management in order to meet deadlines;
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the department;
  • Interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders in order to analyze information, develop ideas, and foster solutions;
  • Ability to handle sensitive and/or highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with state and federal laws;
  • Customer service skills, including the ability to diplomatically interact with difficult customers and de-escalate situations when necessary;
  • Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a training curriculum and course materials for staff training;
  • Demonstrated technical aptitude;
  • Self-motivated, self-directed, reliable, and accountable;
  • Demonstrated professional demeanor;
  • Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Doc’s, Sheets, Slides, etc).

Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.
  • The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
  • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, etc.

For more information on this job announcement and how to apply for this position, please visit our website:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/3110056/dora-division-of-public-utilities-commission-legal-assistant-ii?