JA Legal Secretary 2 (Self-Help Paralegal) - Family Court Division (County Funded)

Salary is non-negotiable. The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary.

• Thoroughly reviews paperwork of pro se family litigants for accuracy and completeness.
• Notarizes and stamps petition, answer/waiver, and other family law forms prior to filing.
• Assists in the identification of problems and needs of the unit.
• Researches databases and identifies related cases as needed.
• Sells packets to pro se litigants representing themselves in family court; issues receipts and records receipt number on each packet.
• Checks case information in the computer to provide information to pro se litigants.
• Provides procedural guidance and general court information to pro se litigants.
• Provides information to other divisions and the public, applying significant knowledge of the Self-Help Program and court policies.
• Provides information to the general public regarding Self-Help Program services, location and hours of operation.
• Assists in the identification of problems and needs of the unit and engages in both short and long term planning.
• Performs related work as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of related experience working as a legal secretary or Paralegal.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Notary public of the State of Florida or eligible to become a notary public of the State of Florida upon hiring.

• Thorough knowledge of legal terminology and legal format.
• Thorough knowledge of legal secretarial practices and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, arithmetic, and bookkeeping practices.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of circuit rules, procedures, practices, and functions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop, layout, and implement clerical procedures and operations from general instructions and guidelines.
• Ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to compose correspondence on routine matters and to perform routine office management tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the judiciary, court administrative personnel, and other private and county agencies’ staff.
• Knowledge of personal computer software – Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Creole is preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Moderate noise; business office setting.

Physical Demands:

• Work involves a significant amount of standing, walking, sitting, talking, listening, and reaching with hands and arms; must be able to transfer up to 10 pounds.