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Filminflorida

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21013586

Filminflorida, Fort Myers, Florida, United States, 33916

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GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21013586

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. Guardian ad Litem Attorneys are assigned by the Office to represent children as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes a child welfare professional and hopefully a community volunteer or pro bono attorney. ABOUT THE BENEFITS PACKAGE

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. Total compensation inclusive of the benefits listed below is valued at a minimum of $93,137.24. State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required) 9 Paid state holidays 1 Paid personal holiday 13 Paid sick leave days 176 Annual leave hours Life insurance $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions. Additional supplemental insurances are available such as dental, vision, disability, etc. Florida Bar annual dues are paid for by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval Public Loan Forgiveness Program No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida State Tuition Waiver Program Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law and practice fundamentals as well as best practice guidance for attorneys communicating with and representing children. Ongoing live in-person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics which fulfills CLE requirements. Online training academy with a catalog of introductory and advanced courses on topics to include dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy, and more. Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access. ABOUT THE WORK

This position has the ability to be flexible for a remote work schedule after successful onboarding. Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or his or her designee. Guardian ad Litem Attorneys are assigned by the Office to represent children and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, representing each child with a focus on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy for the child. The work involves contact with people in stressful situations, and the incumbent must exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and extremely sensitive issues before the court. The incumbent reviews case files to identify legal issues, conducts an independent investigation of the facts of the case, researches and develops legal strategies for the cases, files pleadings, and motions, and attends court proceedings including, but not limited to, hearings, depositions, and mediations, and meets with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts pertinent to the case, and the children represented by the Office. The Senior Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. Senior Attorneys assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies. ABOUT THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Possession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent the children appointed to the Office as evidenced by admission to The Florida Bar. Knowledge of juvenile law, including relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem legal representation for children. Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully with individuals involved in litigation and stressful situations. Ability to work with individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds. Ability to utilize a personal computer, including software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. ABOUT THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar and two years of experience in the practice of dependency or related law. A valid Florida Driver’s License is required. An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or their designee. 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.

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