PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60057671

Requisition No: 855276 

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60057671

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 60057671 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 07/09/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Florida Department of Children & Families - Children’s Legal Services Program

We 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.

We have excellent benefits including affordable health insurance plans & options, liberal sick leave and annual leave policy, and, a tuition waiver program through state colleges and universities. We offer 9 holidays and 1 personal day, FRS Investment or FRS Pension plan and numerous pre-tax and post-tax benefit options.

Description: 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: Bay County. Applicants interested in working in counties/cities other than Bay County will need to apply for positions advertised for those specific areas on the People First System.

Annual Salary: $37,000. Annual salary does not reflect an additional bi-weekly competitive area differential of $48.80. Internal salary appointments are determined according to DCF Salary policy.

Job Responsibilities/Examples of Work May Include: 

This is work assisting lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. Incumbents conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.  Drafts legal documents for assigned cases including pleadings, motions, notice of filings, subpoenas and other necessary documents needed to ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being.  Assists in the prosecution of cases with duties including (but not limited to): Scheduling and file preparation for initial or permanency staffing; coordination and scheduling of case planning conferences or mediation; arranging for diligent search; service of process or publication; coordination and setting of dispositions and obtaining transcripts when requested; preparation of subpoenas for trial and duces tecum; enters or checks entries in appropriate information system(s) for accuracy and compliance with AFCARS and CLS requirements; handles local CLS responsibilities on appeals.  Maintains one or more calendars for scheduling and tracking legal events including arraignments, advisory hearings, dispositions, trials, case plans (approval/expirations/updates) and Judicial Reviews that are scheduled with the court. Coordinates with all parties and documents in appropriate information system (s).  Responsible for all data entry into appropriate information system (s) for assigned cases.  Files legal documents appropriately (electronic or hard copy) and timely with court.  Prepares a timely and professional draft response to an initial demand for discovery.  Duties include tracking the demand due dates and coordinating the gathering of material such as narratives; investigation summaries; medical records and witness lists.  Redacts discovery documents when necessary.  Tracks court orders and documents in appropriate information system(s) when a draft order is due to the court, enters when the draft was submitted and documents when the order was entered by the court.  Opens, Maintains and Closes the physical CLS case file.  This includes following all local office procedures for organization, filing and storage of the case file.  Monitor or assist with monitoring the reports from the appropriate information system(s) and ensures the assigned attorney is notified of any issues.  Performs other related work in association with or as directed by the Regional Director, Managing Attorney, Attorney Supervisor, and/or CLS Leadership.

It 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.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS APPLYING ONLINE, PLEASE CALL THE PEOPLEFIRST SERVICE CENTER AT (877) 562-7287
The state of Florida is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the PeopleFirst Service Center (1-877-562-7287).  Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.  Veterans' preference will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes.

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

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 (1-866-663-4735). 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.

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.  Certain service members may be eligible to 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.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.