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: