Paralegal

Paralegal Specialist Ops - 60908243We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual to work in our Children's Legal Services Division, a premier statewide law firm. This is an excellent opportunity to work among an elite group of dedicated legal child advocates to ensure justice for the children of Florida.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: Lee County. Applicants interested in working in counties/cities other than Lee County will need to apply for positions advertised for those specific areas on the People First System.Hourly Salary: $17.79 per hour; 40 hours per week. Internal salary appointments are determined according to DCF Salary policy.Job Responsibilities/Examples of Work May Include:Preparing legal documentsCoordinating service of processMaintaining case filesMaintaining court calendarsMaintaining litigation timetablesFiling pleadings and other legal documents with the clerk of courtPerforming legal research for attorneys, subject to supervisionCoordinating inter-agency and intra-agency legal functionsPerforming notary functionsAttending hearings to assist counselAssisting witnesses with court proceedingsEntering data timely and accurately into statewide databasesMinimum Requirements:Completion of a training program to become a legal assistant, a paralegal, a legal paraprofessional or a lawyer's or attorney's assistantA degree or certificate in legal technology, legal administration, legal studies or allied legal servicesA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in allied legal servicesTwo years of experience involving paralegal workTwo years of experience in legal secretarial workPreferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of legal terminology and legal processesKnowledge of correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar usageGood writing and organizational skillsAbility to comprehend and interpret informationAbility to communicate and record information accuratelyAbility to follow written and verbal instructionsAbility to work well within a team atmosphere and independentlyAbility to multitask and meet deadlines on a daily basisAbility to plan, organize and coordinate work assignmentsIncumbents 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.Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee.State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatoryWorkers' Compensation - mandatoryReemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatoryParticipation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)Deferred Compensation - voluntaryEmployee Assistance Program – voluntaryIt is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and, if applicable, also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.Background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.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.