Caseworker II, Intake Unit

Sarasota County Government•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Caseworker II performs responsible professional work in pretrial investigations, case management, counseling, and social service referrals for the Sarasota County Government Pretrial Services Program. The position is in the Intake Unit and works the day shift. The Intake Unit operates 24 hours a day in two 12-hour shifts; this role requires weekend and holiday work. Employees are considered essential and must be prepared to support the community during disasters or declared emergencies. The role involves interviewing defendants about demographics and community ties, verifying information, interviewing victims, preparing criminal histories, conducting mental health and substance abuse assessments, maintaining records and case management information, and informing clients about pretrial release conditions and assigned programs. The Caseworker II prepares reports for First Appearances and attends First Appearance and other court hearings. The position requires effective written and oral communication; knowledge of investigative, fact-gathering, and screening techniques; and the ability to assess and record behavior, prioritize work, maintain effective working relationships, exercise sound judgment during emergencies, and interact with people from varied socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Employment is full-time at 40 hours per week. The starting pay is $22.94 per hour. Hiring includes a pre-employment substance screening and extensive background checks for CJIS clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a major in criminal justice, counseling, social or behavioral science, or a related field; progressively responsible related experience may substitute year for year for the required degree.
Effective and concise written and oral communication.
Knowledge of investigative, fact-gathering, and screening techniques.
Ability to observe, interpret, assess, and record behavioral events.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork.
Ability to take effective action and exercise sound judgment in emergencies or crises.
Ability to interact with individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Must pass a pre-employment substance screening; failure results in disqualification from employment for five years.
Successful candidate is subject to extensive background checks for CJIS clearance.
Must be prepared to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

Responsibilities

Interview defendants about demographics and community ties, verify defendant information, and conduct victim interviews.
Prepare local, Florida, and national criminal histories.
Conduct mental health and substance abuse assessments.
Organize and maintain daily records.
Update the case management system.
Instruct clients about pretrial release conditions, restrictions, and assigned programs.
Write reports for the Court for First Appearances.
Attend First Appearance and other court hearings.
Work weekends and holidays as required, and support the community during disasters or declared emergencies.

Benefits

Health insurance, including a medical plan option with a $0 premium when preventive visits are completed.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Flexible spending accounts.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Florida Retirement System (FRS).
Wellness program, including free gyms at multiple county locations.
11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment, with increasing accrual rates based on years of service.