GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY - 21020064

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY - 21020064

Date: Jul 21, 2024

Location: VIERA, FL, US, 32940; SANFORD, FL, US, 32773

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY - 21020064

(This position has the ability to be flexible for a remote work schedule after successful onboarding.)

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 zealous advocacy for the children it represents. 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 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 Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom.
• Incumbents in this class report directly to the Managing Attorney of their assigned Circuit for all activities related to the practice of law; and also works under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.

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. Ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of the child.
• 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

• A valid Florida Driver’s License is required.
• Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar. Candidates may be considered pending admission if granted by the Executive Director or their designee.
• An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or his 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 (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.