Paralegal Specialist

Position Overview

PARALEGAL SPECIALIST -  (Requisition No: 870150)

Agency:
Children and Families

Florida Department of Children & Families – Children's Legal Services Program (Anticipated Vacancy).

Location:

Circuit 1 (Escambia and/or Santa Rosa County). Applications for other counties/cities should be directed to the People First System.

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

Benefits include affordable health insurance, sick leave, annual leave, tuition waiver program, 9 holidays, 1 personal day, FRS Investment or FRS Pension plan, and numerous pre‑tax and post‑tax benefit options.

• Prepare legal documents.
• Enter data timely and accurately into statewide databases.
• 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, subject to supervision.
• Coordinate inter‑agency and intra‑agency legal functions.
• Perform notary functions.
• Attend hearings to assist counsel.
• Assist witnesses with court proceedings.
• Handle discovery red actions.

• Completion of a training program to become a legal assistant, paralegal, legal paraprofessional, or attorney assistant; or
• Degree or certificate in legal technology, legal administration, legal studies or allied legal services; or
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in allied legal services; or
• One to two years of experience involving paralegal work; or
• One to two years of experience in legal secretarial work.

Incumbents may be required to transport files (up to 25 lbs.) to and from the courthouse regularly.

Some Agency positions may require successful completion of a pre‑interview assessment or work sample prior to interview.

Ability to speak/read/write Spanish, Creole, French, or other foreign language may be considered.

Applicants must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment. Background screening will include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the FDLE and FBI and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Citizens with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center . Notification must be made in advance.

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.

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. Eligible service members may 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.

All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑728‑7 (Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time).