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Okaloosa County BOCC — July 2, 2013 — reading text
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topics related to primary occupation.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to issue and follow
verbal and written instructions.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, use decimals and calculate
percentages; compute discount, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; interpret graphs.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape; identify degrees of
similarity in form; and visually read various information.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery and equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, etc.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be
adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with frequent deadlines or peak workloads. Avoids violent
behavior and any other type of behavior that could threaten the safety of other employees or the public.
Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means
of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications
through telephone and radio.
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OKALOOSA COUNTY
CLASS DESCRIPTION, 2013
JOB TITLE: PARALEGAL
LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
REPORTS TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Performs a wide variety of complex and confidential, technical and legal administrative paraprofessional duties.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Conducts thorough legal research relating to complex problems and projects and analyzes a variety of issues as
requested by assigned legal staff, using all research tools available, including online resources.
Drafts for attorney review and signature both simple and complex legal and general office documents such as
memoranda of law, legal opinions, motions, orders, briefs and other legal pleadings, as well as correspondence,
agenda requests, resolutions, ordinances and forms. Reviews documents for form and completeness, including
proofreading and cite checking.
Transcribes and types from electronic dictation, handwritten notes and verbal instructions.
Prepares case files and maintains docket sheets on pending litigation. Prepares and completes legal notices,
acknowledgments, basic legal forms and documents.
Establishes and maintains a document management system (i.e., fully indexed and cross-referenced bank of briefs,
memoranda, and other research documents previously produced by the office). Files documents within established
office filing system.
Prepares graphic aides, tables, slides and other audio/visual devices for presentations.
Schedules appointments and hearing dates and maintains daily calendar for assigned legal staff.
Assists attorneys as requested with litigation preparation, including, but not limited to, providing information on trials,
drafting pleadings, formulating legal strategy, coordinating witnesses and exhibits, and other matters within the County
Attorney’s purview.
Performs routine clerical duties such as providing information to callers, composing and typing routine
correspondence, and reading and routing incoming mail.
Attends meetings and trials as needed.
Must be able to meet work schedule and attendance standards.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Associate’s degree in Paralegal studies or closely related field or two-year technical certificate in paralegal or legal
studies, supplemented by two (2) years of experience as a legal secretary, law clerk or paralegal, preferably for a state
or local government; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required
knowledge skills and abilities. Certification as a paralegal through the National Association of Legal Assistants, The
Florida Bar, or another recognized organization is preferred. Requires strong analytical, organizational, interview,
verbal and written communication skills with excellent attention to detail. Requires a minimum typing speed of 35
words per minute. Must be computer literate. Experience with Microsoft Word is required. Experience using Lexis
Nexis, Westlaw and other electronic research sources is preferred. Must have a valid driver license.
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer,
office equipment, telephone, facsimile, and copier. Must be able to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or 10
to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise
move objects. Subject to possible bodily injury from irate clients and/or citizens. Physical demands are essentially
those of sedentary work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or
compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of legal documentation,
materials and equipment acquisitions, research compiled and equipment utilized.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange
information; includes issuing and receiving assignments, instructions and/or directions. Requires the ability to tactfully
and effectively interact with the public and with co-workers.
Language Ability: Requires ability to read Standard English, as well as technical data, policy and procedure
manuals, codes, etc., ranging from moderately complex to highly technical legal terminology. Requires the ability to
prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats and adhering to all rules of spelling, grammar, punctuation, diction
and style. Requires the ability to communicate effectively in Standard English. Requires the ability to communicate
with a broad array of individuals from various professional and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical and scientific thinking to define problems, collect data,
establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of instructions in written and oral form; to make
independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to issue and follow
verbal and written instructions.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, use decimals and calculate
percentages; compute discount, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; interpret graphs.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape; identify degrees of
similarity in form; and visually read various information.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery and equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, etc.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be
adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with frequent deadlines or peak workloads. Avoids violent
behavior and any other type of behavior that could threaten the safety of other employees or the public.
Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means
of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications
through telephone and radio.
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
DATE: August 6, 2013
TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board
FROM: Kay Godwin
SUBJECT: Renewal of Employee Benefits Plans
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
BCC DISTRICT:
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Annually the County enters into agreements with various providers for
employee benefits as part of its employee compensation package. These include group health insurance,
dental insurance, Tri-Care supplement (ASI), long term disability insurance, life insurance, flexible
spending account and optional vision insurance.
BACKGROUND: Staff negotiates with various providers, insurance agreements that are advantageous
for the county and its employees.
ANALYSIS: Staff has negotiated the following agreements which they believe are in the best interest of
the Board and its employees and seeks approval of the following plans. Employees of the Clerk of the
Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections participate in the Board's benefits plans.
Employees of the Tax Collector participate in the group health insurance plan only. Attached is a detailed
listing of the employee benefits plans costs.
Board Paid Benefits
• Group Medical Insurance - A 10% rate reduction has been negotiated with Florida Blue
• Dental Insurance - Renew the second year of the 2 year rate guarantee, with United Concordia
• $25,000 Life Insurance - Renew second year of the 2 year rate guarantee, with Symetra Insurance
• Basic Long-Term Disability Insurance - Renew second year of the 2 year rate guarantee, with
Symetra Insurance
Staff proposes that the $40.00 per month employee portion of the basic group health be suspended and
offset with the anticipated ProShare refund.
Employee Paid Benefits
• Blue Medicare - Renew the contract with Florida Blue; Florida Blue is proposing a reduction in
the cost
• Vision - Renew third year of 3 year rate guarantee with Standard Insurance
• Tricare Supplement - Renew contract with ASI, which does include a premium increase
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Administrative Costs Paid by the County
• Flexible Spending Plan - Renew the agreement with Lockard and Williams at the current rates
• Continue the $100 monthly stipend for employees not participating in the county group health
insurance plan
RECOMMENDATIONS: Request the Board approve the outlined benefits plans and authorize the
Chairman to sign the agreements/contracts on behalf of the Board.
RECOMMENDED BY:
APPROVED BY:
Ernie Padgett, County Administrator
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BOARD OF COUNTY
