Career Opportunities

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.

Work Location: Sarasota, Florida
Position Available: Immediately
Annual Salary: Up to $35,000, depending upon education and experience + benefits

The job
The DUI Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting resumes for a DUI Court Counselor to be based in Sarasota County. DUI Court is a problem-solving court for offenders who are alcohol dependent and currently charged with a DUI, having one or more prior DUI arrests. Program participation is voluntary in this judicially supervised treatment approach, developed jointly by court staff and mental health professionals.

This position requires experience in addictions and counseling and a minimum Bachelor’s Degree. The successful candidate is professional and organized, and must possess a valid driver’s license, pass background screening and reference checks. Weekly travel to Venice is required. This position will be a contractual employee of First Step of Sarasota, supervised by the Court.

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
To apply, send your resume and completed First Step of Sarasota application (available under "Related Links" on this page) 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, Florida 34230
Fax (941) 861-7904
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: Immediately
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 June 28, 2019. You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Cover letters are encouraged.

Position: Full-time
Position Available: Immediately
Starting Salary: Up to $40,000 based on education and experience

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is currently accepting resumes and applications for a full-time Treatment Court Counselor vacancy. This position requires experience in addictions and counseling, a minimum Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred. The candidate must be able to perform the following services:

• Facilitate individual and group sessions in an outpatient setting;  
• Counsel individuals who are addicted to alcohol, helping them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction;
• Provide treatment services to clients who display a serious and persistent mental illness and are involved with the criminal justice system;
• Maintain accurate documentation, develop treatment plans and psychosocial assessment.

The employee will work closely with the Case Manager under the direction of the Treatment Court Judge. Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass background screening and reference checks. 

To apply, send your resume 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, Florida 34230
Fax (941) 861-7904
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.

The Florida Legislature has approved funding for one new Trial Court Law Clerk position in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit.  Funding remains contingent on the final approval of the Governor.  

Job location: Manatee County Judicial Center
Position number: TBD
Position available: Anticipated start date of July 1 or later 
Monthly salary: $3,818.10 (for members of the Florida Bar); $3,436.29 (if awaiting results of the Florida Bar or prior to taking the Florida Bar exam)
Note: The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary

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

The essential function of the Trial Court Law Clerk 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.

To Apply:
Submit a current and complete State of Florida Application (find a copy under "Related Links" on this page), resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcripts and copy of Florida Bar card:

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

Faxed and emailed applications will be accepted.
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.

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.

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.