Juvenile Detention Officer

Job Description

Appearance/Personality: Courtesy and a professional business demeanor and presentation are essential. Due to the personally sensitive nature of information in this area, confidentiality is essential. Must have the ability to work well with a diverse group of people. Must be able to use awareness of cultural values and biases to work effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Special Requirements: Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age; have a valid driver's license; and submit to a pre-employment screening (including physical exam, psychological exam, TB screen, drug screen) criminal record check and in-depth reference check. In this position there is a high probability of experiencing situations that involve an elevated stress level while dealing with violent or uncooperative youth. This position is considered an ESSENTIAL POSITION to care for the children in the custody of JDC; staff will be required to report every day scheduled, including holidays and during inclement weather or emergencies.

Responsibilities

Court Expectations of Employee:

• Adheres to Court Policy and Procedures
• Acts as a role model both within and outside the Court
• Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships
• Maintains a positive and respectful approach both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court
• Performs duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments meeting Department productivity standards
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload
• Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform duties of position meeting Court attendance standards

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, laws, standards, policies, etc. while monitoring work environment; initiate corrective action as needed.
• Exchange information with on-coming and departing shifts.
• Observe, evaluate, and document individual and group efforts and progress of detainees.
• Counsel, orient, respond to questions, provide leadership, and role model to youth.
• Provide daily positive interaction with youth by serving as a positive role model with appropriate professional conduct, manners and appearance in accordance with court policy.
• Discipline detainees in accordance with established policy as required.
• Provide encouragement to youth and engage youth in pro-social activities.
• Conduct psycho-educational cognitive groups and role plays.
• Provide security for youth and activities; control violent and uncooperative youth.
• Supervises meal service to residents as assigned.
• Prepare and maintain daily logs, reports, filing etc.
• Complete incident reports according to department policy.
• Perform room checks, facility checks, and conduct searches of youth and facility for contraband.
• Provide fair and consistent "eyes-on" supervision to detainees.
• Supervise visitations that take place with detainees.
• Clean and maintain sections and work areas; instruct youth in section work details.
• Communicate with and assist other staff members as needed.
• Required to provide assistance to other staff in a crisis situation.
• Required to work irregular hours, including expanded and rotating shifts for 24-hour coverage of the facility. Must regularly report to work as scheduled and follow all attendance policies.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with youth and staff as policy and training dictates.
• Attend mandatory staff meeting and training as assigned.
• Must open and read email daily when scheduled to work.
• All other duties assigned.

Language Skills:

• Requires the ability to read, write and present information both verbally and in writing on individual and group basis.
• Must write legibly.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires the ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the ability to calculate percentages and decimals.

Computer Skills:

• Requires basic keyboarding, and ability to use word processing and email software.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, carryout instructions and independently problem solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk (to include up and down multiple flights of stairs), stoop, bend, use hands, move objects, reach, push and pull on a regular basis.
• Ability to talk, hear and see both with distance vision and ability to focus on juveniles being supervised.
• Must be able to restrain and subdue a violent or uncooperative juvenile when required and assist others in doing so.
• Must remain awake during work hours and scheduled breaks.

Work Environment:

• Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, communicable diseases or pathogenic substances.

Qualifications

Minimum Position Requirements:

Education/Training: Associate Degree in corrections, criminal justice, social services, or a closely related field preferred, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Bachelor Degree preferred.

Experience/Knowledge/Background: At least one (1) year relevant work experience required; two (2) plus years preferred, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in Court or Juvenile Justice Systems is highly desirable.

Skills: Must possess basic computer/keyboarding skills. Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.