The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is a law enforcement agency that provides law enforcement services to Marion County, Florida and that is responsible for providing the care, custody, and control of the inmates incarcerated in the Marion County Jail.  The Sheriff is provided with additional obligations by statue and through agreement with other governmental entities, including the operation of the County’s Emergency Management division.
Marion County was formed in 1844 using land taken from Hillsborough, Orange, and Alachua Counties.  Marion County boundaries encompass 1,652 square miles (larger than the state of Rhode Island) Marion County include the cities of Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Reddick, and McIntosh.  Marion County has more than 355,000 residents.  While the cities of Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon maintain police departments that provide the majority of law enforcement services within those cite, the sheriff’s Office retains and exercise its authority in those cities.  
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office maintains a Crisis Intervention Specialist Unit (CIS), CIS consists of personnel trained in crisis intervention with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, and at least two years work experience dealing with persons with mental illness.  Substance abuse or with similar human-service needs.  In addition, CIS assists deputies on calls involving domestic violence.  Juveniles, homeless persons, deaths, sex offenders, elder affairs, and victims of crime.  Unit members provide compassionate field intervention, link services for appropriate placement and coordinated follow-ups.  Additionally CIS personnel provide safety information to the law enforcement community regarding current mental health issues.
CIS will assess current individual needs while identifying natural (i.e., family/friends) and professional community supports.  When needed, they will also provide referrals and links to community resources.  The goal will be return the individual to a “pre-crisis” level of functioning as soon as possible.  Specific services provided by the Marion County Sheriffs’ Office are Seniors at risk Assistance Program (SARA).  Work in Lieu of Arrest Program (WILA), and Extra Special Person (ESP) Program: Bracelet identification program for persons with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  
The CIS unit has a commitment to the community that extends beyond its direct service to individuals in need.  Specialists are available to conduct workshops, briefings, and other educational programs, which typically focus on topics such s suicide, domestic abuse, sexual assaults and personal safety.
CIS includes victim advocates, whose positions are funded through grants and here at the Attorney Generals’ office.  These advocates respond and assist victims of crime., including filing of Victim’s compensation Applications, referring victims to resources that are specific to their needs, providing personal advocacy in the county judicial system,, assisting with the filing of injunctions for protection (restraining orders) on scene crisis intervention counseling, developing and discussing a safety plank with victims, and assisting victims with safe shelter.

Special placement information:
Accepting MSW students. Part-time positions only.
Transportation to and from facility required. Agency accessible by public transit.
Stipend not available.
The need for insurance will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Video-/Audio-taping not permitted.
Agency hours: 24/7. Weekend and evening hours available.