Department:

Court Administration

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Join the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Pretrial Services Program and play a key role in supporting both the justice system and community safety. Our program provides the Court with critical information to guide sound judicial decisions, enforces court orders, and offers supervision and treatment options to defendants. Through our Intake Unit, we gather and report information on individuals charged with criminal offenses, helping judges make informed decisions on pretrial release.

We are currently accepting applications for a Pretrial Services Caseworker II position in Sarasota County. This professional role focuses on pretrial investigations, case management, and connecting individuals with counseling and social service referrals. As part of our 24-hour Intake Unit, you’ll work a 12-hour shift schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays—with a 6% shift differential for overnight shifts after training. Apply today to be considered and take the next step in a meaningful career that makes an impact on both the Court and the community.

About the Position

If selected, you will be responsible for conducting pretrial investigations, managing cases, and providing counseling and social service referrals within Sarasota County’s Pretrial Services Program.

A few of your daily responsibilities include:

• Interview defendants and victims; verify information and assess eligibility for specialty courts.

• Conduct mental health and substance abuse assessments.

• Prepare reports and affidavits for judges and court proceedings.

• Research and compile criminal history records from local, state, and national systems.

• Maintain accurate case files, records, and productivity reports.

• Prepare and review contracts, warrants, and case management documentation.

• Attend court hearings, advise defendants on release conditions, and support specialty court programs; serve as Clerk during weekend hearings.

• Contribute to special projects, data tracking, and program reporting for the judiciary.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Night Shift: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• The position is in the Intake Unit on the night shift. The Intake Unit is a 24-hour operation, with two 12-hour shifts.

• Schedules may require weekends, holidays, and shift work for 24/7 operation.

• A 6% shift differential will be available for working nights once training is completed.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, or behavior science (or a related field) from an accredited college or university.

• OR: 4(+) years of progressively responsible related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the education.

• Must have (or be willing to obtain) certification by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as a Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) operator within 6 months of appointment.

• Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

• Knowledge of interviewing, screening, investigative, and fact-gathering techniques, with the ability to observe, assess, and document behavioral events accurately.

• Skilled in preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and case records, with strong organizational and prioritization abilities.

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and present information professionally in courtroom settings.

• Ability to build strong working relationships, foster teamwork, interact respectfully with diverse populations, and exercise sound judgment in challenging or emergency situations.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as part of the hiring process.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $21.85/hr + 6% shift differential will be available for working nights once training is completed.

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.