Career Opportunities

DeSoto County Probation & Pretrial Services Supervisor

Job Location

DeSoto County Probation Office

Position Type

Full-time, Monday-Friday

Position Available

on or after November 18, 2025

Salary

$51,711.74/year plus benefits, this is a DeSoto County Government position.

Job

This position is responsible for supervising the operations of the Pretrial Services and Misdemeanor Probation programs for DeSoto County.  Work is performed under the general direction of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Pretrial Services Director. 

Essential Job Functions

·        Supervises two full time staff, including the selection, training, review and discipline of staff.
·        Develops and implements probation and pretrial services policies and procedures, and ensures they operate efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with applicable Florida law and Rules of Court.
·        Responsible for oversight of misdemeanor probationers and defendants released from jail pending trial.
·        Conducts pre-sentence, post-sentence, and other investigations related to misdemeanor probationers.
·        Meets with clients and refers them to specialized treatment and services at treatment providers, health clinics, and related organizations.
·        Ensures compliance with orders and special conditions of release for pretrial and probation clients, including drug testing. Reviews violation reports, warrants and program completions for accuracy and consistency.
·        Responds to questions from the court, state attorneys, and defense attorneys regarding investigations and compliance with court orders.
·        Responsible for overseeing the Offender Work Program for clients.
·        Maintains a Pretrial Intervention Program.
·        Liaisons with the judges of DeSoto County, State Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, local law enforcement agencies, and the public. Attends court hearings as necessary. Serves as the Court Administration representative on DeSoto County’s Public Safety Coordinating Council.
·        Makes purchasing requests on behalf of the department.
·        Performs other job-related duties as required by supervisor or Trial Court Administrator. In emergency situations, the Chief Judge or Trial Court Administrator may assign the employee duties and responsibilities that are not associated with their primary function but are deemed to be mission essential.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

·       Knowledge of the applicable laws, statues, regulations, and practices involving pretrial services and probation, including but not limited to interviewing and screening techniques; investigative and fact-gathering techniques; courtroom procedures, practices and demeanor; report preparation; and case management.
·       Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the general public, attorneys, court staff, law enforcement, and judges.
·       Strong computer skills required, including knowledge of using Microsoft products, online databases, and similar computer programs.
·       Ability to provide guidance to persons who are having substance abuse, physical, mental, financial, personal and other related issues.
·       Ability to supervise others effectively.
·       Ability to organize and carry out job assignments unsupervised.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in in social science, Criminology, Psychology, or related field and three (3) years of professional experience in pretrial, probation, or a related field.  A comparable amount of training, education, or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis. Supervisory experience is preferred. A valid Florida Driver’s License is also required. 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; and must keep CJIS Certification current.

Benefits

DeSoto County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance; supplemental insurance (cancer, disability, and hospital indemnity); Florida Retirement System membership; and paid time off.

Apply

Interested applicants must submit a current resume to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Cover letters 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

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.