PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 21013136

State of Florida•Fort Pierce, FL

10d

About The Position

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s award-winning, state-funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency court proceedings. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and child centered representation. The Guardian ad Litem Paralegal Specialist performs a variety of secretarial, administrative support, and clerical duties for Attorneys in a local GAL Circuit office. The Paralegal Specialist works independently under the general supervision of the Managing Attorney or Circuit Director and must exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential information. More information about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office can be found at www.guardianadlitem.org As an employee with the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation with 19 percent of your total compensation coming from the benefits that the State offers. As a full-time employee, your insurance rate will be significantly low due to the contribution of the State of Florida. In fact, single coverage is as low as $50 per month, with family coverage costing only $180 per month. While the rates are higher for halftime employees, health insurance options are still available if you are in a salaried position.

Requirements

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
Graduation from a school of law; or
Knowledge of legal citation and Bluebook.
Knowledge of legal terminology.
Knowledge of law and legal procedure.
Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and writing mechanics.
Ability to perform legal writing.
Ability to research legal documents and legal references.
Ability to comprehend and interpret information.
Ability to maintain files.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

Cite check, proofread, and finalize legal briefs, subject to supervision.
Maintain case files, court calendars, and litigation timetables.
Prepare case summaries, pleadings, orders, and summons under the supervision of an attorney.
Draft and file pleadings and motions for attorneys.
Establish working relationships with State Courts Systems personnel, private attorneys and law firms, outside organizations, and the public.
Gather and analyze research data.

Benefits

State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
Flexible spending account
Nine paid state holidays each calendar year
One paid personal holiday each fiscal year
13 paid sick leave days accrued within the calendar year
13 paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year with an increase after five years
Life insurance of $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions. Employees may purchase additional coverage
Public Loan Forgiveness Program
State tuition waivers