Juvenile Supervision Officer

Detention Officer

The detention officer will direct the activities of detained youth in all areas of programming. The detention officer will also perform admission and screening duties as needed.

Essential Duties

• Provide safe and secure environment for all residents.
• Monitor group dynamics to prevent fighting and escape attempts.
• Mediate disagreements between residents in a constructive manner.
• Supervise residents at all times.
• Assure residents are out of their rooms and participating in approved programs according to the daily schedule.
• Provide individual, group, and crisis intervention to detained youth.
• Assist in the development and direction of approved programs in academics, arts and crafts, recreation, life skills, and group discussions.
• Follow departmental procedure in administering and recording all medications needed by a child.
• Maintain a special watch on children that exhibit self-destructive or suicidal tendencies in accordance with departmental policy.
• Pat search and/or strip search residents as required in accordance with departmental search policy.
• Conduct daily facility and room searches in accordance with search policy.
• Restrain residents who are out of control, damaging property, and/or presenting a danger to themselves or others. Utilize non-violent physical restraint methods and mechanical restraints as warranted in accordance with departmental policy. Submit written report of mechanical restraint usage to assistant facility administrator within one hour of usage, unless restraints are used for transporting residents.
• Monitor residents at staggered intervals not to exceed fifteen minutes anytime the resident is assigned to their room. Follow monitoring protocol for residents on suicide precautions.
• Perform general tasks such as laundry, shop supervision, nursing assistant, cluster cleaning, escorting residents, etc.
• Provide transportation, when necessary, for residents to hospitals, doctors, The Bridge, and other facilities or activities.
• Provide orientation information to new residents within the first hour of detention or commitment.
• Prepare written reports for court as required. Submit reports to the Facility Administrator for approval. Testify in court as required.
• Actively monitor visitation, counseling sessions, and releases between parent, child and probation officer.
• Inspect incoming and outgoing resident mail for contraband. Open mail in front of the resident to assure that no contraband is contained within.
• Maintain daily documentation and logs to reflect behavior, participation, and discipline of all residents in detention. Ensure that all paperwork and logs are complete and current for each child. Ensure that all paperwork is neat, organized and concise.
• Ensure that assigned resident's medical needs are met. Refer cases to the Center nurse as necessary.
• Collect urine samples from juveniles for analysis in accordance with departmental policy.
• Respond to crisis situations in all units within a minimal time frame but in no event more than two minutes, and to other situations when requested.
• Keep supervisors informed, at least on monthly basis, on progress of program.
• Maintain an inventory of all forms and items used by residents and staff. Replenish or requisition supplies as needed.
• Assist control officer with admission and screening duties as needed.
• Conduct a room search when a resident is out-processed to check for damages and contraband. Submit appropriate report to supervisor upon the child's release.
• Ensure that clusters are in good repair and that the residents are safe and secure. Submit work orders to assistant facility administrator for all repairs.
• Ensure that all rooms are secure and free from damages each shift. Report any damages or security risks immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible for appointment as a detention officer a person must: a person must meet NCIC/TCIC employment guidelines. Must possess good moral character. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be emotionally suited for working with children. Preference will be given to applicants with bachelor's degrees. Must successfully complete a sex offender check conducted by a local law enforcement agency. Applicant must possess a telephone, Valid Texas Driver License, a reliable automobile, and liabiltiity insurance on the vehicle used for work purposes.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of Texas Family Code; Texas Penal Code; Texas Juvenile Probation Standards; Standards for Juvenile Detention Facilities; Standards for Juvenile Post-Adjudication Secure Correctional Facilities; and General business practices. Must possess ability to utilize personal computer. Employee will be required to effectively communicate while public speaking, as well as written and orally day to day. Employee must possess the ability to work independently and efficiently while make informed decisions. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This job requires some light lifting (less than 50 lbs), running, walking, bending, squatting and kneeling, ability to perform physical fitness exercises.

DISCLAIMER: The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the standard functions of this position and should not be constructed as a thorough description of all work requirements. The characteristics of the work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Employer: Lubbock County will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant's race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.