Career Opportunities

State of Florida Position Number: 000350
Work Location: Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota, Florida
Position Available: January 8, 2019
Annual Salary: $36,980.58 (base salary of $33,980.58 + competitive area differential of $3,000) 

The incumbent will be eligible for State of Florida benefits, including Florida Retirement System service credit.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes by Friday, October 19, 2018.

Resumes are being accepted for the vacancy of Judicial Assistant to Circuit Court Judge in Sarasota County. The Judicial Assistant provides administrative, secretarial and clerical support to the Circuit Court Judge’s office.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Prepares and maintains the Judge’s court and professional calendar; schedules motions, hearings, conferences and trials at the request of the judge.
• Performs routine clerical tasks such as processing incoming mail, performing data entry, ordering office supplies, maintaining files/records, faxing or photocopying.
• Screens telephone calls and visitors to the Judge’s office; provides information, resolves issues, directs caller/visitor to proper personnel, or takes messages.
• Reviews case files for accuracy, format compliance and completeness prior to submitting files to the Judge; ensures presence of all required files; maintains trial dockets, continuances and trial orders.
• Prepares and distributes orders as directed by the Judge.
• Reviews and prepares correspondence, memoranda, orders, reports, emails, and other documents observing strict confidentiality; organizes papers for filing; prepares compensation and travel vouchers.
• Performs research on defendants utilizing databases from the Clerk’s Office and the jail system; may conduct limited case law research.
• Interacts with attorneys, defendants and their family members to resolve problems such as scheduling conflicts or other case-related issues. 
• Interacts with judges, clerks of court, litigants, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, bailiffs, social services, witnesses and the general public to exchange information or to facilitate task completion.

To Apply
Email (preferred), fax or mail resumes to Human Resources Manager, Court Administration, P. O. Box 48927, Sarasota, FL 34230; fax (941) 861-7904; email thammill@jud12.flcourts.org. Please use the subject line re: Judicial Assistant Vacancy.

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: $33,500/year
Position available: Immediately

The job
The Sarasota Drug Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is advertising for a Drug Court (Opiate Track) Case Manager. 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. 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 with social service agencies in Sarasota County, as well as experience working with the mental health/substance abuse population. Our ideal candidate has a work history that demonstrates they are proactive, self-motivated, and have 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.

Salary: $37,440/year
Position Avaialable: Immediately

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.

Position Type: Full-Time, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. + Shift (two - three days per week, the employee will be scheduled to remain until all courts have concluded for the day)
Position Available: 10/01/2018
Annual Salary: $31,664.64 (non-negotiable; State employees are paid on the last workday of each month) *The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary

The Digital Court Recorder is responsible independent, technical, and clerical work monitoring multiple court proceedings from a central location using the OpenCourt software for digital audio recording. The Digital Court Recorder annotates court events as they occur within the recording for future retrieval. The employee may be required to sit in one position for long periods of time. Work is performed under the supervision of a Manager of Digital Court Recording or other Court Managers, and must exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential information. While work is performed independently, the employee will share an office with up to five other court recorders and must work well in a team environment.

Education and Training Guidelines
Education: A High School diploma or GED and one year of college or vocational school education in office skills, computer operation or closely related field.
Experience: Two years of legal experience. Additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis.

Examples of Work Performed
• Monitors and annotates all proceedings in assigned courtrooms in order to ensure a complete and accurate recording of the proceedings;
• Monitors audio quality, performs tests of digital recording equipment, advises supervisor of improperly functioning equipment;
• Performs playback services for the Court and provides CDs or other retrieval records of recorded hearings to the public;
• Communicates with Judicial Assistants and Clerks through email, phone and software (SmartBench, Benchmark, JACS, etc.);
• Maintains statistical data regarding digitally recorded proceedings and media provided to the Court, litigants and the general public.

Knowledge, Skills, 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
• Ability to learn, use and understand the OpenCourt/CourtSmart software and digital recording system or any other software that may be required to perform duties
• Ability to use a personal computer in a Windows environment, including WORD, Excel, and email application
• Ability to multi-task and type accurately
• Ability to compose, proofread, and edit correspondence and reports
• Ability to compute basic mathematical and statistical functions such as percentages and averages
• Ability to work in a close environment with co-workers
• Ability to plan, organize and complete special assignments with minimum supervision
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other court personnel, outside agencies, legal professionals, and the general public
• Ability to efficiently prioritize and organize work and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to establish work priorities, work under pressure and organize work
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with deadline requirements
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, automated environment with interruptions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive issues before the court
• Knowledge of court system procedures, practices and applicable statutes, rules, regulations, laws and ordinances

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 such as OpenCourt/CourtSmart, Microsoft Office products and Microsoft Outlook; searching the Internet; 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.

To 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 or via mail delivery to:

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

Note: Centerstone's potition title is "Counselor, BA Level

The job:
Drug Court is a specialized treatment court that combines legal proceedings, addiction treatment and rehabilitation into one program. This 40-hour per week, Monday-Friday 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. This position will be a contractual employee of Centerstone, 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 assessments and reports to the court.

To apply:
All candidates must complete the Centerstone application at Centerstone's career page to be considered for the position. The position is listed as “Case Manager/Counselor-Sarasota Drug Court (BA Level)” on Centerstone’s website.

Interested candidates are encouraged to email their current resume to the Court's Human Resources Department.

Work Location: Sarasota, Florida
Position Available: October 15, 2018
Salary: $15.58/hour ($32,406.40/year) + benefits

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is accepting resumes for two Pretrial Services Caseworker vacancies in Sarasota County. The positions are 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 these positions, 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, 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 Sarasota County Government Career Opportunities page. The posting will close October 19, 2018. You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Cover letters are encouraged.

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.