Juvenile Institution Officer, Full-Time / Extra Help

Juvenile Institution Officer

Temporary extra-help positions are not eligible for benefits.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and provide proof of the following will move to the next step of the selection process:

• A BSCC T-Score of 45 or higher (issued within the past year). Candidates who do not have a current T-Score will be invited to test after the recruitment closes.
• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and either provide proof of the required examinations or pass the in-person written examination will be invited to participate in a Physical Agility Test:
• 75-yard sprint (30 seconds)
• Carry 150-pound bag/dummy (30 seconds)
• Jog/brisk walk 150 feet with obstacles (30 seconds)
• Drag 150-pound dummy at least 20 feet (30 seconds)
• Additional steps in the selection process may apply.

Under supervision, to learn to supervise the custody, rehabilitation, health care, safety, security, and daily living activities of juvenile wards in the County Juvenile Hall; to learn to counsel wards and monitor progress in meeting counseling objectives; and to do related work as required.

Distinguishing characteristics: This is the entry and trainee level in the Juvenile Institution Officer class series. Incumbents work under relatively close supervision to learn the methods and procedures of caring for and counseling juvenile detainees. Incumbents are expected to complete P.C. 832 Training and gain the proficiency necessary to advance to the Juvenile Institution Officer II within one year of initial employment.

Reports to: Supervising Juvenile Institution Officer, Juvenile Hall Superintendent

Classifications supervised: This is not a supervisory class.

Typical physical requirements: Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to climb, stoop, crouch and kneel; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance; reach and lift objects above shoulders; physical ability to sustain extra physical effort for a substantial period of time and restrain detainees; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical working conditions: Work is performed in an office and outdoor environments; work is performed in varying temperatures; exposure to blood borne pathogens; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Minimum qualifications: Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience in supervising or counseling youth is desirable. Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school and completion of at least 15 semester units of course work at an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences (i.e. psychology, sociology, social work, counseling) or criminal justice areas. (Substitution: Six months experience working with adults or juveniles in an institutional setting providing custodial care or providing counseling to youth and/or adults in either a group or one-on-one setting.) Completion of advanced level course work in sociology, psychology, behavior sciences, or a closely related field is highly desirable. Special requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License. Ability to complete P. C. 832 Training within one year of employment. Completion of STC Core Course within one year of employment. Possession of or ability to obtain valid First Aid and CPR certificates.

Knowledge of/ability to: Basic knowledge of the functions and procedures of the County Juvenile Hall. Behavior problems of juveniles. Basic knowledge of principles and techniques of individual and group counseling. First Aid and emergency medical practices and procedures. Learn the psycho-dynamics and physical manifestations of chemical dependency. Learn the policies and procedures of a Juvenile Hall operations. Learn behavior modification techniques. Learn to apply counseling and treatment techniques in working with juveniles. Apply the methods, procedures, and practices used in the care, custody, and detention of juveniles. Effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Learn to counsel, discipline, and control the actions of detainees. Recognize health and behavioral problems in juveniles. Effectively respond to emergency or critical situations. Deal tactfully and courteously with people from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Exercise good judgement in handling potentially hostile situations. Learn to effectively represent the Juvenile Hall in contacts with the public, other County staff, and other law enforcement agencies. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Drive an automobile to transport wards. In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.