JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER

Job Description

The salary for this position is: $4,801 - $6,705 monthly.

Thurston County is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable candidate for the position of Juvenile Detention Officer to join our team. Juvenile Detention Officers supervise, monitor, and provide care for juvenile offenders and other court involved youth confined in a secure confinement facility, and in detention sponsored programs outside of detention; provide direction of juvenile activities; monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions of juvenile detention; and record observations of juveniles for input to probation counselors and other individuals and agencies working with court involved youth.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• From the Master Control Room, operates the electronic security system controlling entry/exit through critical doors and permitting only authorized personnel into secured areas. Continuously monitors, via closed circuit cameras; courtrooms, outside facility perimeters, and multiple areas within detention facility. Receives incoming calls and routes to the appropriate individual. At visitor and admission entrances, operates walk-through magnetometer screening devices to check all persons entering detention facility for weapons and other prohibited articles.
• Conducts intake and release procedures with juvenile detainees; screens for appropriateness for admission. Initial intake process includes completion of appropriate paperwork, criminal history computer searches and entries, photographing, finger printing, and removal, inventory, and securing of personal items. Makes recommendations to the supervisor for search procedures in accordance with detention policy and based on the actions of the juvenile during intake. Conducts critical need assessment of juvenile detainees and safety/security classifications in areas of suicide risk, aggressive attitude/behavior, medical needs, and mental health status. Recognizes specific abnormal behaviors associated with mental illness; identifies the effects of alcohol consumption; and responds appropriately to a drug overdose. Notifies parents, guardians and/or schools regarding youth's incarceration. Instructs juvenile and family members on the procedures and regulations of the facility.
• Monitors visiting hours and ensures that each visitor is authorized; checks for signatures on all pertinent documents; searches each juvenile following visitation hours; secures valuables and monies that parents bring or mail in for juveniles.
• Prepares detainees for detention school programs by ensuring that school groups are released according to schedule, ensuring the court-ordered outside school juveniles are released on time to meet city transportation or school bus schedules.
• Provides transportation services to and from the community for youths involved in the day detention program.
• Monitors juvenile activities in the detention living units, day detention program area, and during exercise times. Observes and maintains records of juvenile's behavior and history; completes, files, and/or maintains current forms, records, and reports, and routes necessary forms to the appropriate office, individual or court.
• Performs immediate basic first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation as required upon injury and/or attempted suicide of detained youth; assesses the situation and notifies proper authority for further treatment or evaluation.
• Performs assigned custodial duties, including laundry of linens and clothing, mending of clothing, sweeping, mopping and dusting of areas within the secured detention area and kitchen.
• Responsible for the daily pick-up and delivery of prepared meals from the main County campus and the subsequent return of meal containers. Instructs and supervises detainees in the daily custodial care activities of the facility and individual living areas.
• Maintains adequate levels of supplies issued to juveniles for their health and welfare.
• Provides emotional support to juveniles who are depressed or have other problems associated with being detained; makes recommendations to probation counselors or appropriate medical professionals to meet specific needs of emotionally disturbed or developmentally delayed juveniles.
• Documents reported assaults, escapes, injuries, abuse reports, medical conditions, and all other incidents occurring in detention and its associated programs. Recommends and directs the use of sanctions and behavior modification techniques in response to and for redirecting inappropriate behaviors. When authorized, conducts use of physical force within the detention facility, and assists as necessary in the restraint and movement of combative detainees. Submits incident reports as required to the Detention Supervisor, Detention Manager, Court Administrator, and Probation Counselor. Appears in court as a witness when required.
• As medically prescribed, supervises distribution of medications to juveniles and ensures proper instructions for application or ingestion are followed.
• Readies juveniles for court appearances according to the court docket. Escorts juveniles to courtrooms and supervises juveniles in holding areas and courtrooms. May be required to restrain and/or remove juvenile from courtroom.
• Prepares reports to the Department of Social and Health Services for inclusion in the juvenile's history package for disposition in the state placement of the juvenile.
• Plans, coordinates and implements a daily schedule for juvenile detainees throughout the day to assure compliance with state and local requirements and provide meaningful activities in a safe and secure environment. Participates in skills training; intervenes with youths in the development of skills designed to help them deal with daily living problems. Works with the education staff in development of job skills; supervises and coordinates employment experiences for the detained youth.
• Transports juveniles to and from work site while on work crews; directs and works with the juveniles at the site; transports juveniles to other correctional facilities; transports juveniles for emergency care at local medical facilities.

To view the full job classification, click here: Juvenile Detention Officer

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - A 24-hour security facility. Exposure to physical danger from high-risk youthful offenders may be present. Physical exertion is required for lifting up to 50 lbs. Negotiation skills are constantly challenged in maintaining the control, cooperation, and safety of detained individuals.
• Schedule - 12 hour shifts, 3 and 4 days per week, alternately. Shall work non-standard work hours, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Days and hours to be determined.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings and when transporting juveniles.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone and in-person with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays .
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you'll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington's South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer's markets, kids' activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com .

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.


QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience working with youths. Additional education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Before hire, candidates for this position shall successfully demonstrate an acceptable level of physical fitness for the job. For this purpose, the standard set for the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission for a requisite level of physical fitness shall be met. Hired employees must maintain this standard through Training Commission testing and successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
• Employees will successfully complete the Security Worker's Training Academy within six (6) months of the date of employment.
• Detention employees will successfully complete a training program in Proper Use of Physical Force (Defensive Tactics) once each year.
• Must pass a background investigation through provided identification and fingerprints; including but not limited to: driving record, work history, education and criminal history.
• Must possess, or obtain upon hire, a food handler's permit and a valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a criminal justice, psychology, or other closely related field is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with troubled youth.
• Specialized education and/or training in providing social skills training geared toward youth learning styles.
• Positive attitude.
• Training in defensive tactics.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Reggie Gaither, Juvenile Detention Manager, at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County's Human Resources, at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or View phone number on click.appcast.io) to connect with Washington Relay.