Court Specialist (Corrections)

About the Role

The Court Specialist position performs all aspects of the release process for court-ordered releases within the secure confines of the jail. This role involves a wide variety of records maintenance tasks for incoming and outgoing inmates, including reviewing paperwork for accuracy, updating inmate information in the jail management system, and processing releases in a timely manner. The position interacts closely with the Judiciary, Clerk of the Court, corrections staff, outside agencies, and the public. This position is eligible for Night Shift Differential Pay.

Responsibilities

• Process all court orders received from the courts; calculate, review, and update inmate release calendars.
• Perform routine clerical duties, including processing inmate paperwork such as court cases, court scheduling, sentencing, inmate file reviews, and inmate requests.
• Perform records maintenance tasks for incoming and outgoing inmates, including checking files for accuracy, entering and updating inmate information in the automated jail management system, and communicating with other agencies to confirm information via teletype.
• Prepare and maintain detailed legal records, forms, and reports; create and maintain court lists for tracking all court paperwork (e.g., Initial Appearance list, Outside Court list, Video Arraignment list, Video Pretrial list, weekend inmate report).
• Review Judge’s Court Dockets daily to ensure inmates are listed for upcoming court appearances.
• Work closely with the judicial system and disseminate inmate information to various parts of the criminal justice system; maintain continuous liaison with the judiciary, law enforcement, community programs, the Clerk of the Court, outside agencies, and the public.
• Handle Corrections telephone inquiries and concerns from inmates and the general public; resolve personally, direct to the appropriate individual or division, or act as liaison to the assigned supervisor.
• Prepare files for transfers; update the Court docket to ensure all court orders were received; send booking reports to designated court clerks; assemble proper paperwork to send to appropriate locations; post all information from daily court proceedings.
• Work closely with outside agencies in processing pick-up requests; ensure inmates are picked up or returned to the proper destination within a timely manner.
• Activate inmates remanded in open court into the automated jail information system; determine if the inmate is finished with individual charges; prepare and process case closures if it is not a release from custody.
• Provide training and complete Daily Observation Reports for new employees as needed or assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned or necessary for the position.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Business/Public Administration, Social Services, or a related field.
• One (1) year of Criminal Justice experience (e.g., Pretrial Release, Probation, or Inmate Records). An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must be able to obtain FCIC/NCIC certification within thirty (30) days of hire.

Skills

• Knowledge of Corrections administrative operations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to access, operate, and maintain various software applications.
• Considerable knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
• Considerable knowledge of court and case management procedures and terminology.
• Skill in reading, analyzing, and interpreting professional periodicals, journals, technical procedures, and legal documentation.
• Skill in interpersonal and leadership communications; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with defendants, social service agencies, co-workers, department management, members of the judiciary, and the general public.

Physical Demands

• Maximum lifting of 20 pounds; frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds.
• If less lifting is involved, significant walking or standing is required.
• If mostly sitting is involved, push/pull on arm or leg controls may be required.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas by spoken word or perceive sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Ability to walk, run, stop, bend, and climb stairs.
• Must be able to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.
• Capable of working under stressful conditions.