PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- DISPOSITION SPECIALIST III - 21016120

Requisition No: 843933 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- DISPOSITION SPECIALIST III - 21016120

 Pay Plan: Public Defndrs JAC

Position Number: 21016120 

Salary:  $47,500.00 

Posting Closing Date: 02/04/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Law Offices of Public Defender

SARA MOLLO

Position Title: Disposition Specialist III Therapist

Department: Children’s Advocacy Bureau

Location: Clearwater

Reports to: Children’s Advocacy Bureau Chief

Job Overview:

The Law Offices of Public Defender Sara Mollo, Sixth Judicial Circuit, is seeking a Disposition Specialist Therapist to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in supporting clients who are involved in juvenile proceedings, focusing on biopsychosocial assessments, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and coordination with community resources to promote client success. The Disposition Specialist will work collaboratively with attorneys, social workers, and other team members to address the unique needs of each client, with an emphasis on reducing delinquent thinking, addressing mental health and substance use issues, and fostering personal growth and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Biopsychosocial Assessments: Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to identify client needs and inform individualized treatment plans.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Develop and deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions addressing mental health, substance use, and maladaptive behaviors, with a particular focus on trauma and delinquent thinking.
• Therapy Facilitation: Facilitate individual therapy sessions and psychoeducational groups on topics such as relapse prevention, anger management, and life skills development.
• Strengths-Based Approach: Utilize a strengths-based approach to promote client empowerment, resilience, and progress toward personal and legal goals.
• Community Resource Coordination: Coordinate with community resources, including Ready for Life, Inc., to enhance client support networks and ensure access to necessary services.
• Collaboration with Legal Team: Maintain frequent and effective communication with defense attorneys and other crossover team members to ensure alignment between therapeutic goals and case planning.
• Confidentiality and Privilege: Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality standards, including the Attorney-Client Privilege as outlined by The Florida Bar.
• Needs Assessments & Advocacy: Conduct ongoing needs assessments to identify service gaps, advocate for necessary resources, and ensure clients receive appropriate support.
• Client Progress Tracking: Document client progress toward permanency and stability, tracking therapeutic interventions, outcomes, and goals.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Participate in routine multidisciplinary staffing meetings to review cases, identify barriers to client success, and refine therapeutic strategies as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field (LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or equivalent licensure) preferred.
• Experience working with individuals in the juvenile justice system or similar settings preferred.
• Experience in delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions, particularly for individuals with mental health and substance use issues preferred.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and criminal thinking.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in line with the Florida Bar guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation and Benefits:

• $47,500 per year
• Florida Retirement System benefits
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription Drug and Dental Coverage and more available
• Preventive Care Benefits and Wellness Program available
• Eligibility for College Tuition Reimbursement
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave as well as Paid Holidays

How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@flpd6.gov

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.