Drug Court Caseworker

Sarasota Drug Court Caseworker

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.

Job Description:

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.

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

Special Projects:

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

Hours: 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.

Minimum Qualifications: 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.

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