JOB TITLE: Forensic Specialist - Polk County 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2025

PROGRAM: Forensic Program 

REPORTS TO: Forensic Services Manager

FACILITY: Main Street 

CITY: Bartow

JOB STATUS: Full Time 

FLSA: Non Exempt

Job Summary:

This a bachelor level position that is responsible for monitoring adult individuals with mental illness involved with the criminal justice system in Polk County. This position requires regular travel, court appearances, submission of status reports to the courts, resource coordination, and conducting competency restoration training. Employee will work with minimum supervision.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
2. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
3. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
4. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Regular travel to local jails, hospitals, clients' homes or assisted living facilities settings.
• Monitor clients' progress and legal status in Polk County jails and community.
• Accurate completion of all necessary documentation in a timely manner.
• Provide community resource coordination.
• Frequent appearances in court.
• Timely submission of status reports to the courts.
• Provide competency restoration training to individuals adjudicated incompetent to proceed in both group and indiviudal setting.
• Collection of data for reporting purposes.
• Assist with discharge planning from state hospitals as needed.
• Provide triage counseling and crisis intervention as needed.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college with a major in counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or related human services field.

Experience:

Requires a minimum of one (1) year working with mentally ill adults.

Certifications:

Certified Mental Health Professional Certification is preferred.

Training:

Position requires that the individual maintains compliance with all PRC training requirements. Florida Forensic Examiner training required within 1 year of employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

Requires good verbal and written communication.

Requires flexibility and the ability to prioritize job duties.

Must be capable of working independently with minimal supervision and as a member of a team.

Ability to effectively interact with court and hospital personnel.

Must be able to identify symptoms of mental illness.

Ability to effectively interact with individuals with mental illness and intervene in crisis situations.

Requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word and Excel.

Spanish Speaking preferred.

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation.

Requires clean driving record. DMV check will be performed on offer of employment.

Must have current Florida Driver's License and continue to maintain during employment.

Maintain current $25,000/$50,000 bodily insurance coverage on personal vehicle.

Must meet DOT driving requirements and be a minimum of 25 years of age.

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier.

Supervisory Relationship(s)

Supervises - None

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.