Detention Program Specialist

Job Title

Job Title

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Behavioral Science or related field. A minimum of two (2) years previous experience and/or training in the delivery of substance abuse and/or mental health services and facilitation of group programming/instruction. Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJAP) or Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) preferred. Possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license throughout employment without any restrictions that affect job performance. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such training and experience must be clearly documented for consideration.

Nature of Work

Under general supervision, employees in this classification function in an assigned program area relevant to the inmate population of the Sheriff's Office Departments of Detention and Community Programs. The purpose of the position is to provide psycho-educational group and individual programming on various topics related to substance abuse and general life skills to specified inmates of the Sheriff's Office Department of Detention and Community Programs in order to target the criminogenic factors resulting in an inmate's incarceration. These psycho-educational interventions are designed to address the attitudinal and related psychological factors which permit and perpetuate the incidence of substance abuse and/or behaviors that lead to incarceration. Methods seek to promote a greater understanding by participants of the causes and consequences of their behaviors and to redress personal attitudes and skill deficits which promote personal vulnerability to substance abuse and/or behaviors that lead to incarceration. Employees in this classification are responsible for conducting psycho-educational groups, supportive counseling, case management, and housing unit/behavioral management. Position performs liaison work in addressing inmate needs and communicates with internal and/or external departments regarding program unit issues. Performs related work as directed.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Conducts program orientation, program recruitment, and program assignments for their designated program housing unit. Assists with the development of psycho-educational programming utilizing current evidenced-based practices in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and life skills that address the criminogenic factors leading to an inmate's incarceration. Conducts psycho-educational group programs, individual supportive counseling, and general case management for assigned inmates on their designated program unit. Assists inmates with personal emergencies through supportive counseling and crisis intervention; refers inmate requests/needs to the appropriate unit/provider for issues beyond scope of authority or expertise. Works closely with the program unit deputy to monitor and manage the program milieu; communicates with internal departments regarding program unit issues. Provides information and referrals on internal programs and procedures for accessing such programs, i.e. self-help groups, religious and educational programs, medical/mental health care. Provides information and referrals for external support programs for the purpose of supporting and assisting inmates with release planning. Attends in-service training, workshops, and inter-agency conferences. Maintains complete and accurate documentation of court-ordered inmates; develops and submits accurate and timely status reports (i.e. non-compliance / completion letters) to Program Supervisor. Compiles and prepares monthly statistical reports for assigned area; maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality of client/inmate information/records. Ensures compliance with agency and department policies and procedures and established regulatory standards. Performs related duties as directed. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects. Tasks are performed in a corrections environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a corrections detainment environment. Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Recruitment Information

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks. Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis. BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.