PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60057819

State of Florida•Pensacola, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Children and Families’ Children’s Legal Services Program is hiring a Paralegal Specialist to assist lawyers in its statewide legal program. The role supports legal advocacy for children by preparing legal documents, scheduling court events, filing and serving documents, and preparing discovery. The work is described as challenging and rewarding. The position is located in Circuit 1, including Escambia County; applicants seeking work in other counties or cities must apply to postings for those specific areas. The position may require regularly transporting files weighing up to 25 pounds to and from the courthouse. Some agency positions may require completing a pre-interview assessment or work sample. Foreign-language ability may be considered based on agency needs. Employment is contingent on successfully completing required state and national criminal-history screening before starting work.

Requirements

Complete required state and national criminal-history screening and receive agency approval before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a training program to become a legal assistant, paralegal, legal paraprofessional, or lawyer’s or attorney’s assistant.
A degree or certificate in legal technology, legal administration, legal studies, or allied legal services; or education in criminal justice.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in allied legal services.
One to two years of experience involving paralegal work.
One to two years of experience in legal secretarial work.
Ability to speak, read, or write Spanish, Creole, French, or another foreign language may be considered based on agency need.

Responsibilities

Prepare legal documents.
Enter data accurately and promptly into statewide databases and track cases and actions.
Coordinate service of process.
Maintain digital case files.
Maintain court calendars and litigation timetables.
File pleadings and other legal documents with the clerk of court.
Perform legal research for attorneys under supervision.
Coordinate inter-agency and intra-agency legal functions.
Perform notary functions.
Attend hearings to assist counsel.
Assist witnesses with court proceedings.
Redact discovery materials.