Forensic Specialist

Bridgeway Center, Inc.; Crestview (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eleven paid holidays

17 days PTO

403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer 4

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health Insurance

Vision / Dental Insurance

Job summary

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a compassionate Forensic Specialist to support individuals in the behavioral health criminal justice system across Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

The role tracks individuals referred for mental health competency evaluations and coordinates with hospitals, jails, and courts to ensure needs are met. The ideal candidate works well independently, communicates effectively with BCI staff and external stakeholders, and maintains a calm, professional demeanor.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice preferred or related field such as Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or Human Services.
• Able to travel locally and to other counties.
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Track individuals in jails, state facilities, and community referred for mental health competency evaluation.
• Collaborate with hospitals, jails, court administrators, and judges to meet individuals’ needs.
• Maintain open case for individuals during residence in SMHTF and discharge planning.
• Visit individuals quarterly and maintain contacts with SMHTF staff and families as appropriate.
• Provide information to courts and attorneys regarding treatment and collaborate with forensic program staff.

Skills

Empathy & cultural sensitivity

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Community resources knowledge

Positive supportive approach

Professionalism

Conflict resolution

Independent work

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

Position Summary

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a compassionate, reliable individual who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals involved with the behavioral health criminal justice system in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

The Forensic Specialist will track individuals in the Okaloosa and Walton County jails, state treatment facilities or community who have been referred for a mental health competency evaluation as part of their judicial proceedings. The Forensic Specialist will collaborate with state hospitals, jails, court administrators and judges to ensure the individual’s needs are met. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in building a career in Human Services. The Forensic Specialist serves as a consistent, supportive presence for individuals moving through the forensic mental health system.

The ideal candidate is outgoing, dependable, and comfortable working independently while remaining part of a collaborative professional team of stakeholders. They communicate easily with BCI departments and external stakeholders, multi-task effectively, and maintain a calm, professional demeanor — even in challenging situations — to ensure every individual has a positive and supportive experience.

Why Join BCI?

At BCI, you’ll be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to improving the quality of life for the individuals we serve. As a Forensic Specialist, your work will be both rewarding and impactful, as you help individuals work toward stability and make a difference every day in their lives.

We provide comprehensive training, mentoring, and coaching throughout your onboarding process to ensure your success and professional growth, along with real opportunities to grow your career within BCI.

What You’ll Love About This Role

• The opportunity to provide steady, compassionate support to individuals working toward behavioral health stability
• Room to grow your career within a stable, mission-driven organization
• A generally consistent Monday through Friday daytime schedule

Benefits

• Eleven (11) Paid Holidays
• Seventeen (17) days per year of PTO
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care / Dependent Care Reimbursement Program
• Employer Paid $15,000.00 Life Insurance
• Teladoc
• Health Insurance
• Vision / Dental Insurance

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice preferred or a related field (such as Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or Human Services).
• Able to travel locally and to other counties.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and possess a valid Florida Driver’s License (see Pre-Employment Requirements for the driving record standard).

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Applicants must be able to pass an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Medicaid and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Level II background check (Clearinghouse Education and Awareness Website: https://info.flclearinghouse.com)
• National Sex Offender Registry search
• Office of Inspector General (OIG) check (if you have previously worked for DCF, including Contract or Subcontract Provider)
• Drug screen
• Tuberculosis (TB) test
• Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with no more than three (3) points on their driving record to be insured under BCI’s automobile insurance policy.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to display sensitivity to all persons and cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of community resources or the ability to become knowledgeable.
• Demonstrate a positive, supportive, and motivating approach when working with individuals served.
• Maintain and promote professionalism.
• Uphold and promote BCI’s mission.
• Good conflict resolution and crisis management skills.
• Works well independently.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Track individuals in the Okaloosa and Walton County jails, state treatment facilities, and the community who have been referred for a mental health competency evaluation as part of their judicial proceedings.
• Collaborate with state hospitals, jails, court administrators, and judges to ensure individuals’ needs are met.
• Maintain an open case for individuals during the time they reside in a State Mental Health Treatment Facility (SMHTF).
• Participate in the development of a SMHTF recovery plan.
• Participate in monthly reviews of the recovery plan, maintain at least monthly contact with SMHTF staff concerning the status of the individual, and visit individuals at the SMHTF at least quarterly.
• Maintain contact with the individual’s family consistent with s. 394.9082(5)(r), F.S., if appropriate releases are signed.
• Share relevant information with the SMHTF staff.
• Locate housing and services in the community in collaboration with the SMHTF.
• Have a face‑to‑face contact with the individual in the community or in the Okaloosa and/or Walton County jail within two (2) business days of discharge from the SMHTF.
• Maintain progress notes in case file reflecting all meetings and communications with SMHTF staff, the individual, the family, or significant others.
• Participate actively in the discharge process and collaborate with the SMHTF recovery teams in finding a living environment and identifying community services that will support the level of need.
• Provide information to the courts and the attorneys pertaining to the individual’s treatment in the SMHTF, as requested.
• Work collaboratively with court appointed staff and community stakeholders to provide information/knowledge regarding Forensic programs.
• Ensure individuals are effectively connected to the Social Security office within five (5) business days of discharge from the SMHTF to ensure their benefits are activated.

Work Location, Schedule, & Compensation

Work Location

Office based in Crestview; will travel locally and to other counties.

Work Schedule

Generally, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wage

$25.00 per hour with a Master’s Degree; $20.00 per hour with a Bachelor’s Degree

NOTE: APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT MEET MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). BCI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.