CLOSE DATE: June 15, 2026
The Forensic Mental Health Specialist provides specialized services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who have been incarcerated and released from the County Jail on criminal charges. Specifically, these individuals may have received an Order for Evaluation of Competency or Sanity or have been adjudicated Incompetent to Proceed or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity due to mental illness.
This is a mandatory-testing position that requires participation in the County's Drug Testing Program.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Reviews and assesses information on mental health pretrial inmates, including conducting initial interviews, reviewing criminal histories, and verifying information provided by the defendant.
Maintains case files on released defendants, completes all related documentation, advises clients of release conditions, and makes referrals to outside agencies.
Conducts mental health assessments to evaluate clients' level of functioning and overall mental well-being.
Utilizes a Forensic Mental Health Checklist to ensure all required documentation is collected, secured, and properly maintained.
Ensures inmates are informed of the purpose of hearings and their rights.
Ensures all procedures, interviews, and screenings are completed and that First Appearance documentation is submitted to the Clerk of Courts in the absence of the Pretrial Coordinator.
Meets with and monitors the activities and progress of assigned clients.
Performs follow-up with clients who fail to report or comply with court-ordered conditions of bond.
Provides case management services and assistance to clients, including administering and coordinating drug testing to ensure compliance.
Performs data entry and updates client information within the Case Management System.
Compiles data and prepares complex and detailed reports.
Coordinates with referral agencies and community health providers to ensure client needs and issues are addressed.
Meets regularly with Specialty Court personnel to facilitate referrals and monitor the progress of individuals participating in Specialty Court programs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Training and Experience
Master's degree in Behavioral Science or a related field and two (2) years of 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
Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, or other related behavioral health license is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):
severe and persistent mental illnesses and their impact on behavior, functioning, and treatment needs
behavioral health assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and treatment planning principles and practices
social services, treatment resources, and community support programs available to individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders
the operation of the Florida Criminal Justice System, including pretrial release, competency proceedings, specialty courts, and court-ordered treatment requirements
community resources that provide mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and other supportive services
methods and techniques used in substance abuse screening, treatment, recovery support, and compliance monitoring
applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and confidentiality requirements related to mental health and criminal justice services
principles and practices of case documentation, records management, and report preparation
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, cultural, and behavioral health backgrounds
conducting interviews, screenings, and mental health assessments
interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the work
collecting, analyzing, documenting, and maintaining accurate case information and records
preparing detailed reports, case summaries, and other required documentation
utilizing computerized case management systems and other software applications related to the work
establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, referral agencies, and the general public
assessing client needs and making appropriate referrals to community resources and treatment providers
monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions, treatment requirements, and program participation
exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential information
working effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and other behavioral health challenges
managing multiple cases, prioritizing assignments, and meeting established deadlines
communicating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of functioning and understanding.
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:
- Medical / Dental / Vision plans
- Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO)
