PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60070664

Florida; Bartow (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Department of Children and Families is seeking a Paralegal Specialist to assist lawyers in the Children’s Legal Services program. The role includes preparing legal documents, scheduling court events, filing and serving documents, and supporting discovery in Polk County.

Annual salary starts at about $37,000.08 with internal policies guiding appointments. Willingness to transport files and compliance with pre-interview assessments may be required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a training program to become a legal assistant, a paralegal, a legal paraprofessional or equivalent.
• A degree or certificate in legal technology, legal administration, legal studies or allied legal services.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in allied legal services.
• Two years of experience involving paralegal work or two years of experience in legal secretarial work.

Responsibilities

• Preparing legal documents;
• Coordinating service of process;
• Maintaining case files;
• Maintaining court calendars;
• Maintaining litigation timetables;
• Filing pleadings and other legal documents with the clerk of court;
• Performing legal research for attorneys, subject to supervision.
• Coordinating inter-agency and intra-agency legal functions.
• Performing notary functions;
• Attending hearings to assist counsel;
• Assisting witnesses with court proceedings;
• Entering data timely and accurately into statewide databases.

Skills

Paralegal work experience

Legal secretarial work experience

Job description

Requisition No:885427

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60070664

Description

This is work assisting lawyers in the Children’s Legal Services program by preparing legal documents, scheduling court events, filing and serving legal documents, and preparing discovery. The work is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Location

Polk County. Applicants interested in working in counties/cities other than Polk County will need to apply for positions advertised for those specific areas on the People First System.

Annual Salary

$37,000.08. Internal salary appointments are determined according to DCF Salary policy.

Job Responsibilities/Examples of Work May Include

• Preparing legal documents;
• Coordinating service of process;
• Maintaining case files;
• Maintaining court calendars;
• Maintaining litigation timetables;
• Filing pleadings and other legal documents with the clerk of court;
• Performing legal research for attorneys, subject to supervision.
• Coordinating inter-agency and intra-agency legal functions.
• Performing notary functions;
• Attending hearings to assist counsel;
• Assisting witnesses with court proceedings; and
• Entering data timely and accurately into statewide databases.
• Completion of a training program to become a legal assistant, a paralegal, a legal paraprofessional or a lawyer's or attorney's assistant; or
• A degree or certificate in legal technology, legal administration, legal studies or allied legal services; or
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in allied legal services; or
• Two years of experience involving paralegal work; or
• Two years of experience in legal secretarial work.

Special Note

• Incumbents in this position may be required to transport files (up to 25 lbs.) to and from the courthouse regularly.
• Some Agency positions may require successful completion of pre-interview assessment or work sample prior to interview.
• Ability to speak/read/write Spanish/Creole/French or other foreign language may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency need at time of interview.

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

The state of Florida is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action employer and does not tolerate discrimination orviolence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Veterans' preference will be given toeligible veterans and their spouses in accordance withChapter 295 of the Florida Statutes.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes,candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.