Drug Court Caseworker - R16449

The Sarasota Drug Court Program of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Drug Court Caseworker. 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.

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 seek 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.

• 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

• 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

• Performs a variety of special studies
• Prepare spreadsheets and track program data as necessary for judiciary i.e., Delegated Authority, CTC, EMIR, etc

Pretrial Services is a 24/7 operation (including weekends and holidays). The current shifts are:6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (rotates every other week - 4-day week to 3-day week) and 6:00 a.m.

- 6:00 p.m. (4 day week); all training is conducted during the night shift (6:00 p.m.

- 6:00 a.m.). Applicants must be flexible with ability to work shifts,weekends and holidays as assigned.

A bachelor's degree in public or business administration, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or a closely related field. Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.

Experience with substance abuse issues and case management and knowledge of the judicial process.

Basic knowledge of the legal system, court processes and procedures; ability to analyze files for completion and move cases through the court process; work independently as well as with a team; effective oral and written communication; knowledge of substance abuse and related issues; knowledge of community service providers; establish work priorities; maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive issues; maintain effective working relationships with other court personnel, outside agencies, mental health and legal professionals, litigants and the general public;

understand the limitations of case management services and what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law; understand and apply legal concepts, laws and rules of procedure when performing case management tasks.

• Pay: $17.80