Detention Program Specialist
Salary
$53,955.71 - $83,703.15 Annually
Location
Any facility within the Department of Detention, Broward County, FL
Job Type
Permanent Full Time
Job Number
26306A
Department
Detention
Division
Inmate Behavioral Health Unit
Opening Date
05/11/2026
Closing Date
5/22/2026 4:30 PM Eastern
Minimum Requirements
Nature of Work
Under general supervision, employees in this classification function in an assigned program area relevant to the inmate population of the Sheriffs 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 Sheriffs Office Department of Detention and Community Programs in order to target the criminogenic factors resulting in an inmates 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 inmates 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 Sheriffs Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriffs 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.
BENEFITS:
The Broward Sheriffs Office values the contributions of its sworn/certified and civilian employees. The agencys outstanding Benefits Package is one of the ways BSO retains its employees and attracts new personnel to the BSO team.
Heres a sampling of typical employee benefits:
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM:
The Broward Sheriffs Office is recognized as a Drug-Free Workplace pursuant to Chapter 440, Florida Statues. BSO is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees to preserve a happier, healthier workforce. All BSO employees share the responsibility of maintaining a safe, productive and drug-free work environment. BSO is dedicated to programs that enhance the well-being and health of its employees and the publics safety.
For information on the Drug-Free Awareness Program:
SPM3.19 Drug-Free Awareness Program.pdf
https://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2011/440.102
01
Do you have a Bachelors degree in Social Work, Sociology, Behavioral Science, Psychology or related field?
02
Do you possess 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?
03
Are you currently a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJAP) or Certified Addictions Professional (CAP)?
Required Question
Employer Broward County Sheriffs Office
Address 2601 West Broward Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33312
Phone (954) 321-4400
Website http://www.sheriff.org