Alternative Sentencing Specialist

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to fill a vacancy of Alternative Sentencing Specialist.

The schedule for this position is 8 hours, 5 days a week with 2 consecutive days off. There is a day shift, evening shift, and overnight shift. You must be able to accommodate all shifts. 

Under the general direction of a Senior Alternative Sentencing Specialist, performs work of a responsible and professional nature related to the implementation of Alternative Sentencing Programs provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The member may be assigned operational responsibilities of a specific program, or responsibilities common to several programs. Specific job duties determined by assignment. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained.

Shift work is required.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: No

• Interviews and coordinates all aspects of the screening, verification of eligibility, orientation and enrollment process of offenders to Alternative Sentencing Unit programs; this will require direct inmate contact within the jail facility
• Initiates and maintains routine timely contact with offenders and other appropriate personnel to ascertain offender’s status, through all stages to completion of the program; manage an offender caseload
• Enters and retrieves information involved in booking, enrolling, tracking, and releasing inmates in these programs
• Accepts monies associated with the programs and completing appropriate receipts
• Provides daily court testimony in person, by facsimile, or telephone
• Investigate defendants in custody and makes recommendations to the Courts as to whether the offender should be released pending trial; provide noncompliance information to the courts for resolution; prepares and reviews criminal histories, violation reports, caseload lists, daily counts, statistical reports and offender files in accordance with preselection criteria
• Exercises judgment in determining program eligibility for pre-trial and sentenced offenders; prepares risk assessment report for all program participants
• Coordinates offender movement and release from jail general population to Alternative Sentencing Unit
• Provides information and assistance pertaining to program placement; refers program participants to appropriate treatment programs and other social services
• Generates reports, warrants, revocations, and other required legal documents to city agencies, county agencies, and nonprofit organizations
• Monitors exclusion zones for accuracy and offender compliance
• Acts as a liaison by and between Alternative Sentencing and Alcohol Monitoring Systems (“AMS,”) 3M, State Attorney, Public Defender, Classification, Inmate Records, Probation, Northpointe/COMPAS, Trinity Services, Judiciary
• Dispatches certified staff to address program noncompliance and complete address verifications, among other things
• Monitors court proceedings in person or remotely via closed circuit television
• Maintains electronic monitoring equipment
• Assists in training of personnel
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
• This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work
• Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field
• One (1) year related experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• An accuracy score of 80% on data entry
• Typing speed of 25 wpm
• Consideration for this position includes a credit check

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including terminology, processes and procedures
• Knowledge of community resources, employment programs, social agencies or groups, which may assist in inmate employment
• Skilled in assessing individual offenders, through interviewing or other techniques, to evaluate their potential for success in program participation
• Operate office equipment and computer software and applications, including but not limited to FCIC/NCIC terminal and specialized software/hardware related to the Electronic Monitoring Program
• Must exhibit proficiency in the installation, removal, maintenance, activation and deactivation of all monitoring equipment whether GPS or Continuous Alcohol Monitors; this includes handheld breathalyzer testing of offenders, as needed
• Knowledge of correctional operations, court etiquette and procedure, as well as agency policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures
• Ability to make statutory offender program eligibility decisions
• Ability to interpret court minutes and related documents
• Problem solving/decision making skills
• Time management skills; sets priorities and organizes workload in an effective and efficient manner
• Interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Skilled in accurate statistical, programmatic, and financial report preparation
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health of other individuals in the workplace

The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to:

• Sit up to 8 hours per day
• Stand up to 3 hour per day
• Walk up to 3 hours per day
• Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally bend, squat, reach, kneel and twist

Salary : $53,100 - $76,995