Assistant Court Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $47,980.92 Annually
Location : Charlotte County Justice Center, 350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, FL
Job Type: Full time FTE 1.0
Job Number: AOC01440
Department: Criminal
Division: Pretrial Services
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS FOR THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT?

• Great working environment
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan Options
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

KEY REQUIREMENTS
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public information or a related field
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience
• Knowledge of Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers
• Ability to work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., (4) nights per week at the Charlotte County jail; including evenings, weekends & holidays
• Ability to work with individuals who may be under the influence of intoxicants and/or may be hostile or mentally ill in order to complete the required interview questions
• Ability to obtain & maintain NCIC/FCIC certification (which is required within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to obtain & maintain Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP) Certification within 1 year of hire
• Valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record (which is required within 10 days of hire)
SUMMARY
The Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation Unit) performs professional investigative work around the clock to provide quality and timely information to the criminal courts, which supports the judicial decision to release or detain the defendant. Pretrial Officers in the Intake & Investigation unit conduct a full intake/investigation on defendants as a part of the booking process into the jail. Pretrial Officers verify the inmate's intake information and produce a quality first appearance report that is used by the judges as they make their pretrial release decisions. The Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation Unit) reports directly to the Criminal Division Director.
A Pretrial Officer's primary responsibilities include the following: (1) Conduct Pretrial Services Booking Interviews; (2) Determine Indigent Status for Public Defender Representation; (3) Write Summary Reports that Include a Detailed Criminal History of the Defendant and Recommendation to the Judge Regarding Pretrial Release, (4) Research Probation Status and Prepare Widman Warrants, and (5) Perform Other Duties as Assigned.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.
(1) Conduct Pretrial Services Booking Interviews

• Interview all defendants booked into the jail facilities in order to provide a quality pretrial report to the 1st Appearance Judge
• As part of the pretrial interview identify alcohol, drug, mental health, and/or other problems and refer to appropriate agencies for further assessment
• Update pretrial officers in the courtroom as to any defendants that have applied for the public defender since the previous interview so the most up to date information is available in the courtroom
• Based on the defendant's interview, prepare and submit to the Court a recommendation that follows the criteria and procedures outlined in the Pretrial Officers Intake Unit Training Manual, including community stability, interpretation of interview data and consultation with supervisor as appropriate

(2) Determine Indigent Status for Public Defender Representation

• Present information to all defendants regarding the possible appointment of the Office of the Public Defender
• Screen all defendants for determination of indigence for public defender representation when appropriate

(3) Write Summary Reports that Include a Detailed Criminal History of the Defendant and Recommendation to the Judge Regarding Pretrial Release

• Complete pretrial paperwork with a written summary report detailing a defendant's full criminal history and community ties
• Complete pretrial interview packet with the defendant by using booking information, local criminal history information, NCIC/FCIC criminal history information, the defendants family/friends input, and appropriate interviewing skills
• Verify defendant's responses by using data systems and contacting personal references, employment references, etc. to determine authenticity of information and to make reliable recommendations
• Assist court pretrial officers in preparation for court attendance by updating/pulling pretrial reports and updating any other paperwork that will be used in court to ensure Pretrial Services is providing the most accurate and current information available on each defendant
• Interact with law enforcement, state attorneys and public defenders, jail personnel, and court personnel as appropriate to make reliable release recommendations

(4) Research Probation Status and Prepare Widman Warrants

• Verify whether the defendant is presently on county and/or state probation utilizing appropriate databases
• Prepare a Widman Warrant for first appearance when appropriate

(5) Perform Other Duties as Assigned

• Assist with Polycom duties
• Other duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:

• Methods, practices, principles, procedures and techniques used in interviewing and investigating as it pertains to the operation of the department
• Social casework principles and methods
• Basic structure of the criminal justice system
• Local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and statutes as they pertain to the pretrial operation
• Computer applications, including but not limited to: Benchmark, Smartbench, Microsoft Word, and Outlook

Ability to:

• Conduct interviews and investigations in a jail setting
• Deal effectively and professionally with defendants from various backgrounds, in various stressful conditions
• Deal professionally with a highly volatile, potentially violent population
• Deal effectively, professionally and confidentially with Judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys, and the general public
• Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary
• Efficiently operate a computer and utilize Microsoft Office Word and Outlook along with various other software programs and databases
• Follow written and oral instructions and procedures
• Effectively interpret general policy, criteria and procedures for specific situations
• Identify symptoms of substance abuse and emotional problems
• Conduct drug testing
• Exhibit sound judgment
• Maintain focus in a busy surrounding
• Maintain jail security clearance
• Work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends
• Cover other shifts when required
• Maintain consistent and regular attendance, which is required
• Work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.,4 nights per week at the Charlotte County jail
• Travel to the courthouse when needed

Supplemental Information
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public administration or a related field.
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
• Valid Driver's License is required (Florida Driver's License required within 10 days of hire).
• NCIC/FCIC certification within 30 days of hire and continuous certification throughout employment.
• Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP Certification) within 1 year of hire
01
Please type your First & Last Name below.
02
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions, which may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the selection recommendation committee. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See Resume" or "N/A" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

03
Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School or GED
• Vocational Certification
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

04
If you received a degree from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public administration or a related field, please specify degree and major/minor areas of study.The information provided must also be reflected in your application. If you do not, please respond with 'Does Not Apply'.
05
Do you have the ability to work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., (4) nights per week at the Charlotte County jail; including evenings, weekends & holidays?

• Yes
• No

06
Weekend coverage for first appearance hearings for Glades and Hendry counties are done via polycom on a schedule set by the Court which sometimes requires staying late on certain weekend mornings. Do you have the ability to stay and assist with these hearings as required?

• Yes
• No

07
How many years of criminal justice, case management, and/or investigative experience do you have?

• Less than one year
• One year to less than two years
• Two years to less than three years
• Three years to less than four years
• Four years to less than five years
• Five years or more
• No experience

08
If you indicated having two or more years of criminal justice, case management, and/or investigative experience, please describe in detail how you acquired this experience. The information provided must also be reflected in your application. If you do not have this experience, please respond with 'Does Not Apply'.
09
Do you have knowledge of the Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers? If so, please describe in detail how you acquired this knowledge. The information provided must also be reflected in your application. If you do not have this knowledge, please respond with 'Does Not Apply'.
10
This position is in a jail setting. Do you have any issues with working with individuals who may be under the influence of intoxicants and/or may be hostile or mentally ill in order to complete the required interview questions?

• Yes
• No

11
This position requires jail security clearance at the Charlotte County Jail. Do you have the ability to obtain and maintain jail security clearance?

• Yes
• No

12
Do you have the ability to work in an extremely fast paced environment performing accurate and detailed work with a strict deadline on a daily basis?

• Yes
• No

13
NCIC/FCIC certification is required within 30 days of hire. Are you able to obtain and maintain this certification?

• Yes
• No

14
Do you have a valid driver's license to drive an automobile with an acceptable driving record? NOTE: This position requires a valid Florida driver's license within 10 days of hire.

• Yes
• No

15
Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP) certification is required within (1) year of hire. Are you able to obtain and maintain this certification?

• Yes
• No

16
How did you come across this job opportunity? (e.g. GovernmentJobs.com, Indeed, Naples Daily News, News-Press, Charlotte Sun, Craig's List, DICE, Social Media, etc.)
Required Question