Job Description

Requisition No: 867013

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 21013136

Pay Plan: Justice Admin Comm.

Position Number: 21013136

Salary: $40,571.70

Posting Closing Date: 01/09/2026

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Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office

Paralegal Specialist

IMPORTANT! – Please navigate to the following website: www.guardianadlitem.org to apply for this position:

• Click on the “Career Opportunities” icon.
• Scroll down to the link, “Submit Your Guardian ad Litem Employment Application Here.”
• Complete the “mini” job application and attach your current resume.
• Select ST. LUCIE COUNTY for the job location

OR

Email your mini application and resume directly to C19.Apps@gal.fl.gov

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 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.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE:

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

ABOUT THE WORK

The Paralegal may:

• 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.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 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

(The Executive Director or designee may waiver the required training and experience)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

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.