Forensic Mental Health Specialist - Community Corrections - Corrections Department

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CLOSE DATE:

May 27, 2026•The Forensic Mental Health Specialist provides specialized services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who have been incarcerated in the County Jail on criminal charges. Specifically, these are individuals who have received an Order of Evaluation of Competency or Sanity or who have been adjudicated as Incompetent to Proceed or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity due to mental illness. This is a "mandatory-testing" position that requires Drug Testing.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Screens mental health pretrial inmates to include initial interview, review of criminal history, and verification of information provided by the defendant Maintains case files on released defendants , completing all related paperwork and advises clients of release conditions and makes referrals to outside agencies Ensures inmates are briefed concerning the purpose of the hearing and their rights Ensures all procedures, interviews, and screenings are completed and that First Appearance is surrendered to the Clerk of Courts in the absence of the Pretrial Coordinator Meets with and monitors the activities of clients assigned Performs follow-up on clients not reporting or complying with other court ordered conditions of bond Provides assistance and case management to clients Compiles data and prepares complex, detailed reports Confers with referral agencies and community health providers to ensure clients needs and issues are addressed Performs other duties of a similar nature and level

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Training and Experience:

Master's degree in a Behavioral Science or related field and two years experience in counseling, social work, criminal justice, or a related field; or, a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Mental Health Specialist Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs): the issues and dynamics of child abuse and the effects of a dissolution of marriage on children social services and treatment resources available in the community the operation of the Florida State Court System community resources which offer counseling, substance abuse treatment, or other needed support services basic functioning of the Criminal Justice system methods and techniques used in drug and alcohol treatment principles and practices of legal research applicable federal, state, and county laws related to the work writing techniques in the preparation of legal documents rules of appellate procedure and judicial practice and procedure techniques for dealing with the public, both in person and over the telephone standard office practices and procedures oral and written communication interpersonal communication with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable federal, state, and county laws applicable to the work techniques for conducting extensive legal research writing and preparing a variety of legal documents establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with outside agencies, legal professionals, litigants, and the general public analyzing appropriate court files for legal pleadings and documentation developing and implementing procedures to conform with changes in law or legislation

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies. All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

During emergency conditions, the incumbent of this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Light Work:

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Benefits/Compensation Package:

Medical / Dental / Vision plans Prescription coverage Employee health clinic Employee fitness centers Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan Deferred Compensation Plan Employee Assistance Program Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO) Group Life Insurance