Paralegal I

Paralegal Assistant

Performs duties of a staff assistant nature and participates directly in the work of the Paralegal Director and Attorneys supported. Secures details of specialized information, coordinates office work and provides information regarding the services and operation of the department.

Examples of Duties

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Aids the Special Master Clerk by entering, compiling, scanning and preparing notices, affidavits, subpoenas and other records necessary for hearing. Works closely with those departments that participate in the Special Master program.
• Prepares and composes civil restitution lien orders (CRLO's), letters, memorandums, notices of hearings, summons, subpoenas, legal requests, and agenda items.
• Reviews and prepares legal documents such as pleadings and liens for review by the Paralegal Director. Researches information using public and private databases to aid in the preparation of these documents and upon the request of the Paralegal Director and Attorneys.
• Aids in the processing of legal requests by proofreading, editing, and serving as the contact between Attorneys and client departments. Enters, updates, scans and closes records in the database.
• Prepares monthly litigation report.
• Maintains physical copies of the Code of Ordinances within the County Attorney's Office, the Board Chambers and for the Special Master, when periodic supplements are issued.
• Uses word processing software and databases to prepare letters, forms, reports, requisitions, and related paperwork containing legal terminology.
• Sets up and maintains specialized office files including the daily mail log. Files reports and related technical information in the prescribed manner. Assembles information for others use.
• Responsible for answering and appropriately routing phone calls and visitors to the office by asking the right questions and taking accurate messages.
• Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma; Florida Registered Paralegal status or Legal Assistant/Paralegal degree or certification preferred.
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience involving legal secretarial duties including the operation of a personal computer preferably with emphasis in local government law.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion. Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Notary Public commission desired.
• Florida Registered Paralegals must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every three (3) years pursuant to Chapter 20 Rules Regulating the Florida Bar.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires sitting most of the day.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, twisting, and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, and typing.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Grade: 7 Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED. All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application. Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law. Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.