Career Opportunities

Salary: $15.71/hour ($32,676.80/year)

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. 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 6% 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, 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 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 Career Oppportunities page (https://scgov.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SCGOV/job/Criminal-Justice-Center/Caseworker-II---Pretrial-Services_R13118). You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Cover letters are encouraged.

Job Location: Manatee County Judicial Center, Bradenton
Position Number: 010434
Position Available: Immediately (open until filled)
Annual Salary: $36,115.32 (non-negotiable; State employees are paid on the last 
workday of each month) The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary.
Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.

The job
The Court Program Specialist II position works independently to assist the Probate judge by providing case management and administrative support to the Probate and Guardianship division. This position’s responsibilities include vast administrative tasks; reviewing probate cases; related case searches; drafting orders; keeping statistics; setting and attending hearings; and working closely with the Probate judge, the judge’s assistant, and other court personnel. The position requires communication with pro se litigants, as well as other professionals such as mental health providers and attorneys.

Examples of Work Performed
·         Prepares for Court hearings; reads and organizes initial documents in court files and affixes all necessary stamps on orders and letters, ensures compliance with probate rules and statutes;
·         Communicates with attorneys and interested parties orally and in writing regarding additional requirements or documents needed to advance the administration of the estate or guardianship;
·         Reviews new estates and guardianships, as well as incoming pleadings pertaining to existing cases (i.e. requests for extension of time, substitution of counsel, sale of personal property, appointments of commissioners and examining committee members and elisor for incompetent persons, etc.); 
·         Reviews daily ex-parte files (both estates and guardianships) as received from the Clerk’s office, sends files to the judges for signature and/or further instructions;
·         Confers with the attorneys and interested parties for file reviews, procedural instructions and instructions to update inactive guardianships; 
·         Works with Clerk of Court staff to purge estate and guardianship files.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Needed
·         Basic knowledge of the legal system; court processes and procedures; and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
·         Knowledge of the rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation;
·         Ability to work independently;
·         Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with staff members and supervisor;
·         Ability establish work priorities and meet deadlines; 
·         Ability to maintain attention to details to ensure accurate results;
·         Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive issues before the court; 
·         Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other court personnel, outside agencies, legal professionals, litigants and the general public; 
·         Ability to work in any location within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, as needed.

Technology and Equipment Usage 
In addition to the ability to use basic office equipment, this position calls for strong computer skills, such as: proficient typing skills; the ability to use computer applications; and the ability to learn and use new program software. Must be able to use a personal computer, copy machines, fax machines, scanning devices, multi-line telephones.

Qualifications
Three years of case management experience is required, Probate experience preferred.  A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, Master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience. Juris doctorate may substitute for two years of the required experience. Additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis.  

Apply
Interested applicants must submit a current State of Florida Application to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. A cover letter and current resume are encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.  

Email:  HR@jud12.flcourts.org
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax (941)861-7904

*If you do not submit a State of Florida application, you will not be considered.  If you have submitted a State of Florida application directly to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit within the past 12 months, please indicate – you will not be required to submit a new application.
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. 
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: $15.65/hour + benefits

The job
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has two openings for full-time laboratory technicians to work with Sarasota County’s Treatment Court Programs. The lab technician is primary responsible for the monitoring and collection of urine of treatment court clients. The lab technician will also be responsible for the overall operation of the urinalysis-testing component and the use of the breathalyzer machine to monitor abstinence, observes and collects urine/breath testing samples, directs testing of urine samples, analyzing and recording all test results for illegal drugs and alcohol. The employees will be responsible for monitoring and observing male client's urinalysis, so only male applicants will be considered for this position.

Your daily responsibilities:

• Monitors and tracks urine specimens for each client in both North County and South County locations;
• acquire and maintain AU480 certification within 6 months of date of hire;
• data entry and reports (maintain accurate and detailed statistical records); 
• stays knowledgeable of lab policies and procedures and helps update as needed;
• maintains equipment and chemical supplies;
• supplies the Court with written and/or oral reports; 
• attend court hearings as needed; and
• inventories testing equipment and orders all testing supplies.

Skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• Basic knowledge of the legal system, court processes and procedures;
• knowledge of and ability to develop lab policies and procedures;
• knowledge of illegal substances and prescription drugs, masking agents, drug retention schedules and levels of substances for testing purposes;
• knowledge of laws pertaining to probation, corrections, alcohol and drug treatment, and the criminal justice process; 
• ability to organize and prioritize;
• ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• ability to provide accurate data entry;
• ability to maintain confidentiality;
• ability to handle multiple tasks with deadline requirements;
• ability to interact professionally and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisor, co-workers and the public; and
• ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education
Bachelor’s degree is preferred in a related field or from a technical program. Work experience and/or education equivalent combination will substitute for the degree requirement.

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 (https://scgov.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SCGOV). You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Cover letters are encouraged.

Annual Salary $38,000

The job
The Sarasota Drug Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for a Drug Court Counselor, Bachelor's Level. 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 candidates that are 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 on the Twelfth Circuit’s website at https://www.jud12.flcourts.org/About/Career-Opportunities) 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.
Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org
Human Resources Manager
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax: (941) 861-7904

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.

Job Location: Manatee County Judicial Center
Position Number: 009346
Position available: Immediately (open until filled)
Monthly Salary: $4,077.10 (monthly for members of the Florida Bar) $3,669.39 (monthly if awaiting results of the Florida Bar or prior to taking the Florida Bar Exam). The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary.
Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.

*Applications and resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

The job
The essential function of the Trial Court Staff Attorney position is research and writing of legal memoranda, draft opinions, orders and reports; conduct legal research; review briefs and case files in numerous areas of law, including appeals from county court (both civil and criminal), complex civil litigation, constitutional questions, complex family law cases and criminal matters, including post-conviction motions and related civil matters such as petitions for extraordinary relief filed by or on behalf of sentenced inmates, pretrial detainees and other litigants.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Circuit’s Senior Staff Attorneys, Court Administrator and Judges, and is reviewed in progress, as necessary, and upon completion.  

Education and Training Guidelines
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.    

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations Required
Requires membership in the Florida Bar within one year of hire. 

Examples of Work Performed
·       Conducts legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters, and drafts/prepares legal documents, such as opinions, judgments, post-conviction orders, memoranda or orders concerning extraordinary writs;
·       Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases; drafts proposed orders imposing a life-or-death sentence in death penalty cases; 
·       Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs and memoranda of law, proposed orders and other related documentation in order to advice judges in a variety of legal areas; 
·       Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions;
·       Attends staff meetings to exchange information; attends technical or professional workshops, seminars or conferences to improve professional skills; attends hearings as required; 
·       Assists the circuit court appellate division by drafting bench briefs and/or appellate opinions. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
This position requires knowledge of the legal system; criminal and civil court processes and procedures, and the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.  

Knowledge: Legal principles, statutory and case law, court rules and procedures, legal publications, Florida State Courts System.

Skills: Manual legal research; computerized legal research, including Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis; legal writing and drafting. 

Abilities: Reason logically and analytically; grasp, comprehend and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details; digest and communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing; exercise discretion, confidentiality, impartiality and honesty. 

Apply
Interersted applicants must submit a current and complete State of Florida Application, resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcripts and copy of Florida Bar card. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.  

Fax: 941-861-7904
Email:  HR@jud12.flcourts.org

Human Resources Manager
Court Administration
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, Florida 34230

*If you do not submit a State of Florida application, you will not be considered.  If you have submitted a State of Florida application directly to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit within the past 12 months, please indicate--you do not need to submit it again.
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 941-749-3600 ext. 1791.
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.

Job Location: Manatee County Judicial Center
Position Number: 010444
Position Available: Immediately (open until filled)
Annual Salary: $52,917.55 (non-negotiable; State employees are paid on the last workday of each month) The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary.
Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.
* Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Certification is required at the time of hire*

The job
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for an Official Court Reporter to be based in Manatee County. The essential function of the position is to stenographically record felony court proceedings, provide Realtime to judges daily, and produce transcripts on a timely basis.  The position is responsible for reporting court proceedings, performing research and proofreading and editing reported proceedings in order to produce quality transcripts. The position works under the general supervision of the Court Reporting Manager. The position requires someone who is self-motivated, has a keen eye for detail and completes assignments timely. All Official Court Reporters are paid a monthly salary but are not paid appearance fees or for transcripts. However, a Luminex writer, laptop, maintenance of equipment, CAT software, and current updates are all provided.  

Examples of work performed 
·       Records court proceedings stenographically utilizing a Stenograph Luminex and Case Catalyst software;
·       Reads back segments of proceedings from either stenographic notes or Realtime translation;   
·       Transcribes and edits stenographic or Realtime notes to transcript form in compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and statutes;
·       Proofreads transcripts to verify correct spelling of names, places, medical, scientific, and legal terms; researches information as required to ensure accuracy of information;
·       Delivers transcripts electronically and backs up transcripts for archiving purposes;
·       Archives digital stenographic notes; maintains, updates, and edits personal dictionary; and maintains accurate logs of each day’s proceedings; 
·       Travels to courthouses within the circuit to perform duties, as may be required;  
·       Completes and submits statistical reports to designated personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Needed
·       Ability to stenographically report using Case Catalyst software and Realtime technology;
·       Ability to hook up cables and troubleshoot with Realtime technology; 
·       Ability to record testimony at the standard required speed and accuracy;  
·       Ability to edit and translate stenographic notes, proofread transcripts, verify the correct spelling of names, places, and terms;
·       Ability to back up transcripts to archives; archive notes and dockets;
·       Ability to interact professionally and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers, government officials, and the public;  
·       Ability to work in fast-paced, automated environment with many interruptions;
·       In addition to the ability to use basic office equipment, this position also calls for computer skills: the ability to use computer applications such as Microsoft Office products and Microsoft Outlook; searching the Internet; and the ability to learn and use new program software. 

Qualifications
Associate's degree or the equivalent of two years of college or vocational school education in court reporting is required.    

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations Required
Requires a valid certificate as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or higher.  Realtime Reporter capability is required, and Realtime certification is preferred.

Apply
Interested applicants must submit a current State of Florida Application to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. A cover letter and current resume are encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.  
Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax (941)861-7904

*If you do not submit a State of Florida application, you will not be considered.  If you have submitted a State of Florida application directly to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit within the past 12 months, please indicate – you will not be required to submit a new application.

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.

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.

Job Location: Manatee County Judicial Center
Position Number: 11707
Position Available: Immediately (open until filled)
Annual Salary: $32,092.77 (non-negotiable; State employees are paid on the last workday of each month). The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary.
Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.

The job
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Floater Judicial Assistant (JA) position based in Manatee County.  The Floater JA position performs a variety of secretarial, administrative and clerical duties for the judges and their judicial assistants in the management of the daily operations of an office or program, i.e., JACS scheduling and case management. The position requires someone with legal experience who is self-motivated, has a keen eye for detail and can handle a wide variety of tasks. Working relationships are established with State Courts System personnel, judges, judicial assistants and non-judicial officers, vendors and the general public. The Floater JA works independently and exercises discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information relating to the court cases. Work is performed under general supervision.

Knowledge, skills and abilities
This position requires basic knowledge of the legal system; court processes and procedures; and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation
• Compose, proofread, and edit correspondence and reports
• Compute basic mathematical and statistical functions such as percentages and averages
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Interact effectively with the general public
• Maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Establish work priorities
• Work independently
• Organize and automate office procedures and maintain an effective filing system
• Ability to plan, organize and complete special assignments with minimum supervision
• Analyze court files for completeness of appropriate legal documentation 
• Maintain effective working relationships with other court personnel, outside agencies, legal professionals, and the general public

Qualifications 
A high school diploma and four years of administrative, secretarial or staff support experience, one year of which must be in a senior secretary or comparable position or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience is required. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university may be substituted for the recommended years of experience.

Apply
Interested applicants must submit a current State of Florida Application to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. A cover letter and current resume are encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.  

Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax (941)861-7904

*If you do not submit a State of Florida application, you will not be considered.  If you have submitted a State of Florida application directly to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit within the past 12 months, please indicate – you will not be required to submit a new application.

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.

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.

Job Location: Sarasota, Manatee and De Soto Counties
Position Number: 10928
Position Available: Immediately (open until filled)
Annual Salary: $45,303.72 (non-negotiable; State employees are paid on the last 
workday of each month) The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary.
Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.

The Job
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Mediation Services Coordinator (MSC) to conduct family and dependency mediations and oversee the court’s Citizen Dispute Settlement Programs in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, which includes working directly with program directors to ensure effective operation of the pre-filing and county civil mediation programs. The MSC reports directly to the circuit’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Director. 
The ideal candidate will be a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator with supervisory experience. 

Examples of work performed
·       Conducts family and dependency mediations, facilitating the discussion of legal issues between involved parties for court referred cases and informs litigants about the mediation process prior to commencement of every mediation; 
·       Prepares/drafts settlement agreements, court orders or impasse reports on all cases mediated; reviews agreements with all parties involved and manages execution of agreements by parties; completes closing paperwork and statistical records/reports for mediation cases of responsibility; 
·       Reviews case files, pleadings and other documents pertinent to cases; 
·       Works with ADR Director and mediation staff to establish and maintain procedures pertaining to volunteer mediators, such as volunteer rights and obligations, program procedures, standards of conduct, criteria for performance review and renewal, etc. 
·       Coordinates and/or conducts CME trainings for volunteer mediators; 
·       Reviews applications, approves, oversees, monitors participation, tracks re-certification and acts as the court liaison for volunteer mediators; 
·       Markets and exposes the Citizen Dispute Settlement and Family Pre-filing programs to the public, which includes public speaking and actively seeking out and providing program information to possible referral sources. 

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work, law or a closely related field. A juris doctorate or master’s degree is preferred. Four years of related experience, including extensive experience in conducting mediations. Requires Florida Supreme Court certification in Family. Dependency certification is preferred and the incumbent will be required to obtain Dependency certification within six months of hire. 

Apply
Interested applicants must submit a current State of Florida Application to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit along with a copy of mediation certifications. A cover letter and current resume are encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.  
Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax (941)861-7904

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.