Career Opportunities

Sarasota, Manatee and De Soto Counties
State of Florida Position Number: 009483
Monthly salary (non-negotiable):  $6,968.17 ($83,618.04 annually)

Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums

Application deadline: September 16
Position available: December 1, 2019

Important Details:
Interviews will take place the week of September 23. In-person interviews are preferred. Skype interviews may be available for out-of-state finalists.
*Candidates are encouraged to denote any potential scheduling conflicts in their application materials.

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Chief Deputy Court Administrator (Chief Deputy) to assist in the oversight and direction of all administrative matters of the court. The Chief Deputy is part of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s senior management team and reports directly to the Trial Court Administrator (TCA). This position also works closely with the Chief Judge and is responsible to all judges in the circuit. The Chief Deputy is responsible for staff supervision, strategic planning, developing and implementing policies and procedures, developing and administering budgets, managing court facilities, and other related administrative functions in support of the judiciary. The Chief Deputy will serve as the Court Administrator in her absence and has final decision authority in delegated areas of responsibility.

Examples of work performed:

• Assists in the direction of all administrative functions of the Twelfth Circuit Court, including but not limited to budget and fiscal administration, personnel administration, information technology, court reporting, mediation services, interpreting, case management, strategic planning, facility management, emergency planning and other new initiatives within the circuit.
• Directs court programs and services, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations and statutes.
• Supervises managers and staff, including establishing staffing standards, organizing, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining and recommending selection and termination when appropriate; prepares periodic employee evaluations.
• Develops policies and procedures in consultation with the TCA to ensure efficient and economical organizational operations; evaluates results to ensure compliance with regulations and to identify deficiencies.
• Collaborates with the TCA and other members of senior management to develop strategic plans and capital projects; oversees and coordinates implementation of plans to ensure adherence to organizational standards, policy and procedures, and to make adjustments as needed.
• Assists in the development, presentation and defense of state and county budget requirements; oversees fiscal activity to ensure proper accounting controls and to review and approve expenditures.
• Coordinates facility management, including facility security, construction and/or reconstruction, and maintenance of facility.
• Manages administrative matters, such as preparing complex reports or correspondence, conducting special studies or research, developing and administering training, or providing for staff technical or professional growth.
• Liaisons with other court-involved agencies, e.g., clerks of court, state attorneys, public defenders, sheriffs, county commissions, bar associations, etc.
• Liaisons with public and private agencies regarding organizational programs and services; coordinates media relations and communication to promote the judicial branch.
• Serves on various commissions or committees as appointed by the Chief Justice (state),  Chief Judge or Trial Court Administrator (local).
• Attends and/or conducts staff, board, committee, task force and other professional meetings and conferences to exchange information; attends technical or professional seminars tor conferences to improve professional skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public, business or judicial administration, law or a closely related field. A juris doctorate or master’s degree is preferred. 
• Five years of related experience, including extensive knowledge of the Florida State Courts System. Two years of managerial, administrative or supervisory experience.
• The Chief Deputy Court Administrator will also have the ability to effectively communicate throughout all levels of the organization orally and in writing, analyze information, recommend appropriate actions, establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the circuit, including with state and local government agencies. 

Apply:

Email (preferred), fax or mail resume, cover letter and completed State of Florida Employment Application to Donna Rhodes, Court Administration, P. O. Box 48927, Sarasota, FL 34230; fax (941) 861-7904; email DRhodes@jud12.flcourts.org.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.  The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.  If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application or selection process, please call 941-861-7811.

Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.

Salary: $38,000 + benefits
Position available: October 1, 2019

The job
The Sarasota Drug Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for a Drug Court Counselor. Drug Court is a specialized treatment court that combines legal proceedings, addiction treatment and rehabilitation into one program. Program participation is voluntary in this judicially supervised treatment approach, developed jointly by court staff and mental health professionals.

This 40-hour per week, Monday-Friday position requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in addictions treatment and counseling. We are seeking someone that is professional and organized. A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background screening and reference checks is required. The successful candidate will be an employee of First Step of Sarasota, supervised by the Court, and based in Sarasota.

Skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• able to facilitate individual and group sessions;
• able to counsel individuals who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and help them identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction;
• able to maintain accurate documentation; and
• able to develop treatment plans, psychosocial assessment and reports to the court.

Apply
Send your resume and completed First Step of Sarasota application (available at right under "Related Links") to the address, fax or email below. Electronic submissions via fax and email are encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Human Resources Manager
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax: (941) 861-7904
Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call (941) 861-7811.

Position Type: Full-time
Position available: October 1, 2019
Hourly Rate: $15.58/hour

The job
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for a Pretrial Services Caseworker vacancy in Sarasota County. The position is in the Intake Unit in the Sarasota County jail. The Intake Unit is a 24-hour operation, with two 12-hour shifts. Working nights, weekends and holidays are part of this position, which includes a shift differential for working nights once training is completed.

A few of your daily responsibilities:

• Interview defendants and victims;
• review criminal histories, backgrounds, and verify information;
• conduct mental health and substance abuse assessments;
• write reports for the Court; and
• attend Court hearings.

Some of the skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• Effective and concise written and oral communication;
• knowledge of investigative and fact-gathering techniques;
• ability to observe and prioritze work;
• ability to take effective action and exercise sound judgment in emergency or crisis situations; and
• ability to interact with individuals from vairous socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Education
A BA/BS from an accredited college or university with a major in criminal justice, social or behavioral science or related field. You must obtain certification by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as a Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) operator within six (6) months of appointment.

Benefits
The Sarasota County Government benefit package includes health, dental and vision insurance; supplemental insurance (cancer, disability, and accident); Florida Retirement System membership; and paid time off.

Apply
Apply directly through the Sarasota County Government Career Opportunities page. The posting will close August 30, 2019. You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Cover letters are encouraged.

Position Type: Full-time
Position available: October 1, 2019
Hourly Rate: $17.60/hour with DJJ Certification; $15.58/hour without DJJ Certification

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for Pretrial Services Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) Screener vacancies in Sarasota County. The positions are in the JAC in the Sarasota County jail. Work schedules at the JAC are in 12-hour shifts, and include nights, weekends and holidays. There is a shift differential for working nights once training is completed.

A few of your daily responsibilities:

• Assess, screen and release juvenile offenders;
• ensure each youth receives medical and mental health clearance prior to admission to the JAC;
• conduct suicide risk, mental health and substance abuse assessments; and
• provide back-up coverage to Pretrial Services Intake Unit, as JAC-related responsibilities permit.

Some of the skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• Effective and concise written and oral communication;
• knowledge of investigative and fact-gathering techniques;
• ability to observe, interpret, assess and record behavioral events;
• ability to organize and prioritize work;
• ability to take effective action and exercise sound judgment in emergency or crisis situations; and
• ability to interact with individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Education
A BA/BS from an accredited college or university with a major in criminal justice, social or behavioral science or related field. You must obtain certification by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as a Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) operator within one month of appointment (CJIS certification). Required to maintain Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) certification to screen arrested youth, or obtain DJJ certification to screen arrested youth within 180 days of appointment. Both CJIS and DJJ certification trainings are provided in-house after employment; both certifications must remain current throughout employment.

Benefits
The Sarasota County Government benefit package includes health, dental and vision insurance; supplemental insurance (cancer, disability, and accident); Florida Retirement System membership; and paid time off.

Apply
Apply directly through Sarasota County Government Career Opportunities page. The posting will close on August 23, 2019. You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Cover letters are encouraged.

Salary: $37,440/year
Position Avaialable: August 19, 2019

The job
The Sarasota Drug Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for a Drug Court (Opiate Track) Counselor. Drug Court is a specialized treatment court that combines legal proceedings, addiction treatment and rehabilitation into one program. Program participation is voluntary in this judicially supervised treatment approach, developed jointly by court staff and mental health professionals.

This 40-hour per week, Monday-Friday position requires a master’s degree and experience in addictions treatment and counseling. We are seeking someone that is professional and organized. A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background screening and reference checks is required. The successful candidate will be an employee of First Step of Sarasota, supervised by the Court, and based in Sarasota.

Skills, knowledge and abilities needed

• Ability to facilitate individual counseling and group sessions
• Ability to counsel individuals who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and help them identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation
• Ability to develop treatment plans, psychosocial assessments and reports to the court

To apply
Send your resume and completed First Step of Sarasota application (available under Related Links at right) to the address, fax or email below. Electronic submissions via fax and email are encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Human Resources Manager
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax: (941) 861-7904
Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call (941) 861-7811.

Salary: $33,500/year
Position available: Immediately

The job
The Sarasota Drug Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Drug Court (Opiate Track) Case Manager. Drug Court is a specialized treatment court that combines legal proceedings, addictions treatment and rehabilitation into one program. Client participation is voluntary in this judicially supervised treatment approach, developed jointly by court staff and mental health professionals. The successful candidate will be an employee of First Step of Sarasota, supervised by the Court, and based in Sarasota.

This position provides case management services to program participants, establishes and maintains community partnerships, advocates for the program, and reports program data to the Court and community partners.

We are seeking someone who has experience working with the mental health/substance abuse population. Our ideal candidate has a work history that demonstrates he/she is proactive, self-motivated, and has the ability to work with clients in this unique program setting. The proven ability to form relationships with local community service agencies is a plus.

A few of your daily responsibilities:

• Identify individuals who meet Drug Court criteria and provide initial assessment;
• Create individualized case plans and monitor participant progress;
• Collect, document and maintain participant data, progress reports, test results, etc.;
• Facilitate group sessions to help provide participants with life skills and additional access to resources;
• Link participants to available community resources and resolve client issues;
• Attend court and agency staffings.

Some of the skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• Basic knowledge of the legal system, court processes and procedures;
• Knowledge of mental health and related issues;
• Ability to work independently, and as a part of a team;
• Understanding of case management limits and what constitutes unauthorized practice of law; and
• Ability to analyze files and move cases through the court process.

Education
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, counseling, social or behavioral science or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Apply
Send your resume and completed First Step of Sarasota application (available under Related Links at right) to the address, fax or email below. Electronic submissions via fax and email are encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Human Resources Manager
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax: (941) 861-7904
Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call (941) 861-7811.

Position: Full-time
Position Available: Immediately
Starting Salary: Up to $38,625.60, based on experience

The DeSoto County Treatment Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Program Coordinator to perform both program management and case management functions. Treatment Court is a specialized program that combines legal proceedings, addictions treatment and rehabilitation into one program. Client participation is voluntary in this judicially supervised treatment approach, developed jointly by court staff and mental health professionals. The successful candidate will be an employee of Centerstone, supervised by the Court, and based in De Soto County.

This position coordinates all functions of the Treatment Court Program, serving as a liaison with the program judge, overseeing contractual service providers, maintaining office and testing supplies, and preparing paperwork for court.  In addition, the Program Coordinator provides case management services to program participants, establishes and maintains community partnerships, advocates for the program, and reports program data to the Court and community partners.

We are seeking someone who has experience working with the mental health/substance abuse population. In addition to having a work history that demonstrates experience in the areas detailed above, our ideal candidate will have demonstrated that he/she is proactive, self-motivated, and has the ability to work with clients in this unique program setting. The proven ability to form relationships with local community service agencies is a plus.

A few of your daily responsibilities:

• Identify individuals who meet Treatment Court criteria and provide initial assessment;
• Create individualized case plans and monitor participant progress;
• Collect, document and maintain participant data, progress reports, test results, etc. 
• Facilitate group sessions to help provide participants with life skills and additional access to resources;
• Seek out community partnerships and services in coordination with program judge;
• Review and verify invoices from contractual services providers;
• Link participants to available community resources and resolve client issues;
• Conduct drug testing of clients;
• Coordinate court and agency staffings, including creating the court docket and preparing paperwork for the Treatment Court team.

Some of the skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• Basic knowledge of the legal system, court processes and procedures;
• Knowledge of mental health and related issues;
• Ability to work independently, and as a part of a team;
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with community service providers;
• Understanding of case management limits and what constitutes unauthorized practice of law; and
• Ability to analyze files and move cases through the court process.

Education
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, counseling, social or behavioral science or closely related field from an accredited college or university. A Master’s degree is preferred. 

Apply
Send your resume to the address, fax or email below. Electronic submissions via fax and email are encouraged. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call (941) 861-7811.

Position Type: Contractual
Position Available: Immediately
Hourly Rate: $75 / hour for therapy ($25 - $50 for court appearance)

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications from licensed mental health therapists (LCSW, LMHC, Psy.D, Ph.D) for clinical counseling services for its Behavioral Health Court. This court is also locally known as Mental Health Court. The provider will be responsible for providing the counseling services in its own office which must be located in Sarasota County. Provider will be an independent contractual service provider with the Court. Qualified individuals will be placed on an approved list and will be referred appropriate cases on an as needed basis by the Health Care Court Administrator

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Regularly scheduled individual meetings (no more than twice monthly absent court approval otherwise) per client
• Evaluations, assessments and counseling of Behavioral Health Court clients
• Conduct group sessions as necessary at Treatment Court Office
• Regular consultation with Health Care Court Administrator
• Attendance at court hearings as necessary
• Procurement of medical release in order to share information related to the client with the Health Care Court Administrator for use in the court proceeding
• Documentation of all evaluations, progress notes, as requested by Health Care Court Administrator
• Commitment to see the client for the duration of the court case absent significant unforeseen circumstances
• Sign an agreement memorializing these duties and the payment arrangements

Payment as Follows:

• The Court will pay $75 per hour of therapy (including any necessary documentation associated with the therapy) for two sessions per month per client. A client may receive more counseling if approved by the Court. A counselor may utilize a client’s insurance if the client has insurance and the counselor prefers to do so; however, the Court will not pay the hourly rate if insurance is also billed.
• The Court will pay $75 for each initial evaluation and assessment. This may require a visit to the Sarasota County Jail.
• The Court will pay $50 for a live court appearance and/or $25 for a telephonic court appearance, with discretion to be determined by the court.
• The Court will pay $75 per hour for group therapy (including any necessary documentation associated with the therapy).

Services will be invoiced on a monthly basis outlining days and hours worked, including backup documentation for clients served and services provided. Due to federal grant guidelines, these contractual counseling services contracts will be awarded on an annual basis and must be renewed annually. All applicants are further advised that the Additional Contract Provisions, “Attachment A”, are required to be included in all contracts.

To Apply

Please read the 2018 Selection and Submission Criteria.  

The Court reserves the right to limit the number of counselors participating and/or add counselors based upon special needs or location. All applicants will be subject to criminal background checks on an annual basis.

Contract award is subject to FDLE JAG Program Standard Conditions and additional Federal Grant Requirements (2 CFR Part 200), see attached.