PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- DISPOSITION SPECIALIST I - 21016122

Requisition No: 849865 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- DISPOSITION SPECIALIST I - 21016122

 Pay Plan: Public Defndrs JAC

Position Number: 21016122 

Salary:  $40,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 05/31/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

General Summary:

This is a rewarding opportunity to work with the Law Offices of Sara Mollo, Public Defender, 6th Judicial Circuit. As a Recovery Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in advocating for and supporting indigent individuals accused of crimes. This position is part of a multidisciplinary team that includes licensed therapists, social workers, case managers, attorneys, and other professionals.

The Recovery Support Specialist will work within an established diversion program, providing coaching and navigation support in the areas of recovery and daily living activities to adult clients of the Public Defender’s Office.

Core Responsibilities & Competencies:

• Case Diversion & Advocacy: Assist in the early disposition of cases to divert clients from the criminal justice system.
• Mentorship & Support: Provide mentoring, coaching, education, and training in various settings, including jails, offices, homes, and community locations.
• Team Collaboration: Participate in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and other assigned meetings to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• Knowledge of Services: Understand the local behavioral health system of care and service delivery processes.
• Client Engagement: Work with incarcerated clients to promote treatment compliance and assist in navigating a successful resolution of their criminal charges.
• Case Management: Maintain and manage an assigned caseload, ensuring timely intervention and follow-ups.
• Solution-Oriented Approach: Demonstrate problem-solving skills by proactively identifying and implementing creative solutions for client needs.
• Direct Client Services: Provide hands-on support, including arranging custody releases and developing individualized rehabilitation plans.
• Liaison Role: Act as a bridge between the client, treatment provider, and attorney, ensuring the legal team has updated information to mitigate the client’s criminal exposure.
• Client Screening & Referral:
  • Conduct client interviews to assess needs.
  • Facilitate referrals to appropriate resources and support access to services.
  • Gather and compile client history, including family, education, employment, military, and treatment records.
• Resource Development:
  • Identify, develop, and maintain community resources to support client needs.
  • Maintain an updated resource manual for service referrals.
• Court & Legal Support: Provide attorneys and the court with relevant information about community resources and correctional institutions based on client needs.
• Departmental & Organizational Contributions: Support the overall mission by completing related tasks as needed.

Minimum Training & Experience:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Associate’s Degree preferred).
• Florida Peer/Recovery Support Specialist Certification required.
• Minimum of 2 years of recovery experience.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use treatment, and social service systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable working within correctional facilities and engaging directly with incarcerated individuals.
• Experience in case management, advocacy, or peer support is a plus.

Work Environment & Expectations:

• This position requires travel within the community to meet clients in various settings.
• Flexibility in scheduling may be necessary based on client and program needs.

Join us in making a meaningful impact by advocating for those in need and helping them navigate toward recovery and stability.

Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System benefits
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Comprehensive Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
• Preventive Care Benefits and Wellness Program
• College Tuition Reimbursement
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• To learn more about the eligible employee benefits available, please visit: www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Salary:  $40,000 per year

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.