Career Opportunities

Job location: Manatee County Judicial Center
Postion number: 010871
Postion available: April 1, 2019
Monthly salary: $2,638.72 (non-negotial; 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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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/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: 009346
Position available: Until filled
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: 20 hours per week, with some flexibility in scheduling and the possibility of additional hours
Position Available: Immediately
Hourly Rate: $13.63/hour

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for an Administrative Secretary, reporting to the Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer. The position requires someone who is self-motivated, has a keen eye for detail, completes assignments timely, and has the ability to maintain the confidentiality and sensitivity of matters before the Hearing Officer. The successful candidate must have the ability to ensure that all persons are treated with courtesy, dignity and respect, while providing equal access to the Court through very detailed administrative work.

The Administrative Secretary performs a variety of secretarial, administrative and clerical duties for the Hearing Officer in managing the daily office operations. A variety of working relationships are established with State Courts System personnel, judges and non-judicial officers, judicial assistants and the general public. The Administrative Secretary works independently and exercises discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information relating to court cases. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer.

Duties and responsibilities

• Answers telephone calls and assists callers;
• Directs callers to other departments as appropriate
• Drafts, types and emails daily dockets;
• Drafts and processes recommended orders;
• Prepares and processes final orders for the presiding judge;
• Maintains the calendar for the Magistrate and schedules hearings as appropriate.

Skills/knowledge/abilities needed

• Legal experience necessary; family law experience preferred but not required;
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word 2016 and Outlook);
• Knowledge of the rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation;
• Ability to compose, proofread, and edit correspondence and reports;
• Communicate clearly and effectively;
• Interact effectively with the general public;
• Maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information;
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Establish work priorities;
• Analyze court files for completeness of appropriate legal documentation.

Education

Associate’s degree and one year of experience in business administration, paralegal, secretarial skills or a closely related field. Additional relevant experience may substitute for the recommended education al level on a year-for-year basis. 

Apply

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

*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.

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.

The individual hired will be a contractual employee of First Step of Sarasota

Position: Full-time
Position Available: Immediately
Starting Salary: Begins at $35,000 based on education and experience

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is currently accepting resumes and applications for a full-time DUI Court Counselor vacancy. This position requires experience in addictions and counseling, a minimum Master’s Degree. Must be able to facilitate individual and group sessions. Must be able to counsel individuals who are addicted to alcohol, and help them identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction. Must be professional and organized, maintain accurate documentation, develop treatment plans, psychosocial assessment, and reports to the Court. This position will be a contractual employee of First Step of Sarasota, supervised by the Court. Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass background screening and reference checks. Weekly travel to Venice is required. 

To apply, send your resume and completed First Step of Sarasota application 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: 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.