Paralegal

Mission Statement

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of the Position

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough County Paralegal provides legal and administrative support with a strong focus on compliance with Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.). This position assists in responding to public records requests, conducting legal research, redacting confidential information, and ensuring agency-wide adherence to applicable state and federal confidentiality statutes. The ideal candidate will have experience in legal analysis, document management, and public sector compliance.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and consultation to departments throughout the organization.
• Work closely with staff assembling records when a public records request is submitted to CNHC.
• Work with the Chief Legal Officer on public records and redaction.
• Respond to public records requests in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, ensuring timely and compliant production.
• Perform accurate redaction of confidential or exempt information, including child identities, medical records, law enforcement data, and court-sealed documents.
• Responds to subpoenas and releases of information.
• Prepare and maintain documentation justifying redactions and withholdings.
• Draft legal correspondence, exemption logs, memoranda, and response letters to requesters.
• Provide comprehensive support to the Intensive Family Services Team (IFST), including managing public records requests, drafting documents, preparing materials for court hearings, and assisting with additional tasks as assigned by IFST directors or other leadership team members.
• Assist Chief Legal Officer with training on records management and public records compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal software platforms.
• The requirements of this position go beyond the standard legal support; These duties integrate compliance with public transparency laws, confidentiality obligations, and proper records handling.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and agency goals, as needed and appropriate to the position.

Working Hours

Children’s Network believes in promoting a healthy work-life balance for all employees. This is a full-time, in-office position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., averaging forty (40) hours per week. Please note that working hours may vary based on organizational needs and business demands.

Travel

The CNHC paralegal will be situated in Circuit 13 and will require travel between counties and circuits.

Training

All employees must complete 15 hours of annual training, either online or in person. Those with credentials or licenses must also meet any related continuing education requirements to retain their status.

Education and Experience

• An associate's degree or certificate in paralegal studies is required; a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field is preferred.
• Certifications such as Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP), Certified Paralegal (CP), or equivalent credentials are preferred.

Skills and Abilities

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a Florida state agency, county legal office, family law practice, non-profit agency with government contracts, or a child welfare/legal services setting. A working knowledge of Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.) and document redaction practices is essential, along with demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Acrobat or equivalent software for redacting sensitive documents. The candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with legal case management systems. Strong legal writing, communication, and organizational skills are required, as is the ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality. An understanding of, and preferably experience working with, Florida Statutes §§ 119, 39, 402, 409, and 119.07 is important, as is familiarity with DOJ/DCF confidentiality policies. While not required, experience working with the Inspector General’s Office or any agency involved in investigations or regulated records is considered a plus. Knowledge of Florida’s Sunshine Manual, HIPAA, FERPA, and other confidentiality statutes applicable to government records is also valuable

Pre-employment Requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance.
• Driver’s license check is a requirement.
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement.
• Children’s Network participates in E-Verify

Other Requirements

Language Skills

Must possess excellent command of the English language, with highly developed verbal and written communication skills. This includes the ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex legal documents, statutes, regulations, and contracts. The CLO must be able to draft clear, concise, and legally sound documents and effectively communicate legal concepts to both legal and non-legal audiences, including executives, staff, and external stakeholders. Strong presentation and negotiation skills are essential. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset, particularly when serving diverse populations or engaging in multi-jurisdictional matters.

Reasoning Ability 

In Florida, a paralegal must use strong reasoning skills to support attorneys and other staff members effectively, maintain ethical standards, and ensure procedural compliance. These abilities are essential for drafting memoranda, managing cases, preparing public records, redacting records, and coordinating across departments.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements associated with this position are typically moderate. Responsibilities may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. There may also be occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The job may require extended screen time for document review and redaction.

Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities in performing the essential job functions.

Work Environment

This is an in-office-based position focused on administrative work, where the noise level may be moderate. This role may involve occasional travel among agency locations, extended periods of computer work, and frequent interactions across multiple departments.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

ADA:       Children’s Network of Hillsborough and Children’s Network of SWFL will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO:        Children’s Network of Hillsborough and Children’s Network of SWFL does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember:  If you are currently an employee of Children’s Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, or one of our Case Management Organizations, it is necessary that you notify your current Supervisor, prior to applying.