GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21012700 THIS IS A HALF-TIME (20 HOURS PER WEEK) POSITION. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY 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 under the jurisdiction of Florida’s dependency courts. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and zealous advocacy for the children it represents. Attorneys are assigned by the Office as Guardian ad Litem to represent children as part of a multi‑disciplinary team that includes a child welfare professional and a community volunteer or pro bono attorney. Dependency judges rely on the Guardian ad Litem to provide thorough and accurate information regarding the children under the court’s jurisdiction. BENEFITS PACKAGE As an employee with the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation. Total compensation inclusive of benefits is valued at a minimum of $47,143.60. (Details of benefits listed below.) State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required) 9 paid state holidays 1 paid personal holiday 13 paid sick leave days 88 annual leave hours Life insurance $25,000 provided by the state (pro‑rated cost for FTE positions) Additional supplemental insurances such as dental, vision, disability, etc. Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent on approval Public loan forgiveness program No state of Florida income tax for residents of Florida Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law, and best practice guidance Ongoing live in‑person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics (CLE requirements); annual advanced litigation skills training Online training academy catalog with introductory and advanced courses on dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy, etc. Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access ABOUT THE WORK Flexibility for a remote work schedule after successful onboarding Work performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee Guardians represent children as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, focusing on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy Work involves contact with people in stressful situations; discretion required for confidentiality and sensitivity Review case files, identify legal issues, conduct independent investigation, research and develop legal strategies, file pleadings and motions, attend court proceedings (hearings, depositions, mediations) and meet with staff, witnesses, collateral contacts and children Represent, advocate, and negotiate for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom; perform other duties assigned by management Report directly to the Managing Attorney of assigned Circuit for all activities related to the practice of law; and operate under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Possession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent the children appointed to the Office; admission to The Florida Bar, ability to advocate effectively in court Knowledge of juvenile law, relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem representation Effective communication and ability to deal tactfully with individuals involved in litigation and stressful situations; ability to work with culturally and economically diverse backgrounds Proficiency in personal computer and common software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Valid Florida Driver’s License Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar, and at least two years of experience in the practice of dependency or related law (strong trial skills preferred) Applicants pending admission to The Florida Bar may be considered with permission of Executive Director or designee Exception to the required experience may be granted by Executive Director or designee LEGAL AND DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION STATEMENTS The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace; all employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. The Agency is an EEO employer pursuant to Florida Law 110.211 F. S. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center in advance. #J-18808-Ljbffr