SENIOR LEGAL ASSISTANT - 64007071

Requisition No: 828535 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: SENIOR LEGAL ASSISTANT - 64007071

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64007071 

Salary:  $56,967.30 

Posting Closing Date: 05/15/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Florida Department of Health

Position Number 64007071

This position performs complex tasks customarily performed by a Senior Legal Assistant in a private sector law firm. This position provides direct support to the Chief Legal Counsel and several Senior Attorneys for the Office of Medical Marijuana Use Section. The workload for this Senior Legal Assistant consists of preparing all the documentation necessary in getting ready for trials or hearings and preparation of trial notebooks. This position is responsible for conducting research for the attorneys, drafting correspondence for the attorneys’ signature, drafting complaints, motions, responses, subpoenas and pleadings for the attorneys’ review and signature.

This position includes preparation of exhibits, files and notebooks for trials or hearings; review of agenda material for meetings; drafting of pleadings, assisting in discovery, and preparing status reports. Prepares notices, complaints, motions, responses, subpoenas, and pleadings for the attorneys' review and signature. Reviews case files and provides recommendations as necessary to the attorneys. This involves independent thinking and knowledge of the legal field.

The position also includes research of case law, legislative histories, data base searches, and any other types of legal research which may be necessary in Westlaw, Florida Statutes, or any other available resource. This includes tracking of rules, legislation, and administrative issues. Maintains files and records of office correspondence, documents, public records requests, rules, and other materials related to the work of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Files must be complete and contain all appropriate records and documents pertaining to cases. Documents and records are docketed and attached in the file in an orderly fashion and retrieved in a timely manner. Handles correspondence from the public, private attorneys, and other governmental agencies as necessary. All typing of correspondence, reports and documents must be proofread for spelling and grammatical errors. Work product is completed by assigned due date. Copies are forwarded to appropriate parties in a timely manner. Schedules appointments, meetings, and hearing dates. Arranges for court reporters at depositions and hearings as necessary. Attends meetings and hearings as requested by the attorneys.

Answers phones as necessary. Incoming calls are answered promptly. Tact and diplomacy are used in taking calls. Messages are accurate and contain the date, time, name of person calling, return phone number, and reason for the call to include any applicable case name and number. Assists the Office of Medical Marijuana Use legal team by tracking all assignments related to Variances, Notices of Violations, and other pending tasks, which includes keeping an updated list and keeping all folders up to date. Communicates with other attorneys, assistants, and clients about hearings, trials, and appeals. Makes note of relevant documents that are delivered to agency clerk, clients, courts and other attorneys who need to be informed.

Performs other duties as assigned including assisting other support staff and other attorneys.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Leon County

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will 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 successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.