JTDC - Rapid Response Team Specialist

JOB TITLE:            RAPID RESPONSE TEAM SPECIALIST
DIVISON:              ADMISSIONS, SECURITY AND CONTROL
LOCATION:           JUVENILE TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER
11OO S HAMILTON
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  60612
UNION:                  TEAMSTERS 700
GRADE:                 PS2
SALARY:               $69,986

Company Overview
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 – 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC provides its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development.

 
As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600+ employees who serve an average daily population of 280+ residents.

Job Summary

• The Rapid Response Team Specialist is a “First Responder” for disturbances, escapes, fires, evacuations, natural disasters, and/or de-escalation of non-emergency responses as part of a team specifically trained to respond to emergency situations. Individuals of this team will also rotate as a staff member of the RESET Center. Responsible for the safety of employees, visitors, and residents in a 24-hour youth detention facility.   

Typical Duties

• Monitors designated areas of the facility and responds to any and all disturbances.
• Responds to all types of emergencies (i.e., disturbances, fire evacuations, escapes, natural disasters, etc.).
• De-escalates crisis situations as they arise.
• Employs only those physical management techniques, which are consistent with approved training provided by the JTDC.
• Complies with all policies/procedures in order to promote a safe, secure, and humane environment for residents and staff.
• Provides support and assistance to staff and residents in the administration of the resident behavior programs.
• Maintains a safe and secure environment for both the residents and staff by performing such duties as searches of residents, resident’s personal effects, staff, and visitors in accordance with JTDC policies, and procedures.
• Utilizes the least restrictive physical management techniques in accordance with JTDC policies and procedures, which correspond to the level of threat and the intensity of the disruptive resident.  The use of force will be justifiable and reasonable and only used when necessary to maintain positive control of the situation.
• Applies approved use of restraint devices only when a resident is physically uncontrollable and constitutes a serious and imminent danger to self or others, to prevent escape, or prevent damage to property that puts in jeopardy the safe operation of the facility.
• Completes accurate reports and submits them by the end of the shift following the use of physical force and/or mechanical restraints.
• Provides the necessary security to maximize the safety and security of resident and staff, in addition to the prevention of escapes.
• Operates security and communication equipment including, but not limited to portable radios, metal detectors, and mechanical restraints.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and JTDC policy and procedure and lawful court orders.
• Demonstrates coherent and effective written communication through reports and memorandums, with both internal and external contacts. 
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably with major course work in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related social services.
• Two (2) or more years’ experience in law enforcement, military, and/or a secured/correctional facility.
• Internal candidates must have a minimum of Five (5) years’ experience as a JTDC Juvenile Detention Specialist, or Recreational Worker with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• United States citizenship.
• 21 years of age at the time of application submission.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description.  The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Previous experience in criminal or juvenile justice, law enforcement, or related social science field.  Preference to those with previous experience working with delinquent or emotionally troubled youths and/or families, which may have been in an intern or volunteer capacity.
• Must have a positive record of job performance without discipline within the past twelve (12) months.
• Ability to recognize abnormal behaviors and adverse health conditions in juveniles and follow proper medical reporting procedures.
• Ability to effectively listen, understands, and communicates in English (verbally and in writing) at the appropriate level with juveniles.
• Must possess knowledge of group dynamics and the ability to establish trust and cooperation with juveniles while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism, assertiveness, and leadership.
• Highly accountable, reliable, and prompt, with a strong work ethic.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Bilingual communication skills preferred.

Physical Requirements
[ This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description.  These include but are not limited to the following requirements. ]

Due to the physical demands of this position, candidates for this position will be fitness tested and must pass prior to assignment to this position and also must be able to meet the following physical requirements:
(See page regarding physical testing requirements)

• Ability to push and pull objects, pick up objects, and bend repeatedly in order to move desks, beds, and other furniture to conduct security checks and search residents.
• Ability to step up on elevated surfaces, such as beds or stools, to conduct room searches.
• Ability to reach, bend, and stoop to perform security checks, and other tasks.
• Ability to walk extended periods throughout the facility.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to physically restrain residents under adverse conditions, including the ability to manage weights of 75lbs. to 200 lbs. when restraining adolescents.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations according to JTDC policies, procedures and protocols.
• Ability to correctly handcuff and safely remove handcuffs from residents as needed.
• Ability to effectively communicate (hear and respond) 10 codes through the intercom/radio transmission monitoring system.
• Ability to lift and carry containers of items weighing up to 45lbs.
• Must be able to work overtime based on departmental needs.
• Must demonstrate competency in implementing physical force techniques and satisfactorily complete all of the requirements in training of physical force, including passing the annual physical fitness test.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and require safe physical management skills.
• Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders.
• Exposure to residents with various states of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Exposure to various health related conditions or residents of a communicable nature which requires precaution and adhering to medical instruction.
• Exposure to communicable diseases of youth.

Hiring Requirements

• Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of date of hire.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
• A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.
• Must pass required and nationally recognized written examination(s) for direct care positions.

• Meet additional minimum requirements for eligibility established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).
• Open availability to work any shift at a 24-hour facility (includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays) and the ability to work overtime as directed.
• Must pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements. 

PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST REQUIREMENTS

How Will Physical Fitness Be Measured?
The POWER Physical Ability Test consists of four basic tests. Each test is a scientifically valid test. It is recommended that five minutes of static stretching be completed prior to each test. A five-minute rest is recommended between each test, with a fifteen-minute rest before the 1.5-mile run. The tests will be given in the following sequence with a rest period between each test.

1. Sit and Reach Test This is a measure of the flexibility of the lower back and upper leg area. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving range of motion and is also important in minimizing lower back problems. The test involves stretching out to touch the toes or beyond with extended arms from the sitting position. The score is in the inches reached on a yardstick.
2. 1 Minute Sit-Up Test This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is also an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is in the number of bent leg sit-ups performed in one minute.
3. One (1) Repetition Maximum Bench Press This is a maximum weight pushed from the bench press position and measures the amount of force the upper body can generate. It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength. The score is a ratio of weight pushed divided by body weight.
4. 1.5 Mile Run This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system’s capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds.

What Are the Standards?

• The actual performance requirement for each test is based upon norms for a national population sample.
• The applicant must pass every test.
• The required performance to pass each test is based upon age (decade) and sex. While the absolute performance is different for the eight categories, the relative level of effort is identical for each age and sex group. All recruits are being required to meet the same percentile range in terms of their respective age/sex group. The performance requirement is that level of physical performance that approximates the 40th percentile for each age and sex group.

 

TEST	MALE	FEMALE
20-29	30-39	40-49	50-59	20-29	30-39	40-49	50-59
Sit and Reach	16.0	15.0	13.8	12.8	18.8	17.8	16.8	16.3
1 Minute Sit-Up	37	34	28	23	31	24	19	13
Maximum Bench Press Ratio	.98	.87	.79	.70	.58	.52	.49	.43
1.5 Mile Run	13.46	14.31	15.24	16.21	16.21	16.52	17.53	18.44

 

This position has an Administrative Office of the Illinois Court (AOIC) requirement, if an offer of employment is extended to you, you will be required to show immediate proof of AOIC Certification. If you are AOIC certified please upload your letter, and if not please move forward with completing the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court certification application. Link is below.
Employment | Probation/Court Services (illinoiscourts.gov)

In response to Congress enacting the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) , the Department of Justice (DOJ) developed national standards for federal, state and local correctional agencies. The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center as it is a zero-tolerance policy prohibits all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment from staff members, interns, volunteers, and contractors and any form of resident sexual misconduct between residents. 

Benefits Package

• Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page . 

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.