Juvenile Supervision Officer

Include the following:

• Supervises and maintains group control during all activities of detained juveniles, such as cleaning or other chores, attending classes, studying or doing homework, playing games, serving or eating meals, resting, watching television, participating in outdoor and indoor recreation and others.
• Responsible for preventing escapes, suicide attempts and violent, aggressive behavior on the part of the detained juveniles.
• Conducts regular visual checks on residents at all times they are in their rooms, documenting each check.
• Receives new juveniles and processes them according to departmental rules and regulations, including carefully searching them, properly logging and storing all of their belongings, issuing necessary linens and/or clothing, conducting resident orientation which includes among others, explaining the grievance policy and procedure as well as other rules and policies and preparing necessary paperwork.
• After receiving appropriate training and authorization by the Superintendent, screens referred juveniles and makes decisions regarding their detention or release based on statue and department procedure.
• Observes residents in order to analyze their needs and address them on an individual and/or group basis.
• Assists residents to develop a healthy and positive attitude about self through individual and group counseling and discussion.
• Remains alert and aware of group dynamics and confronts crisis situations in a calm and professional manner, demonstrating skill in crisis counseling.
• Administers disciplinary action in a fair and consistent manner, honoring and enforcing disciplinary consequences issued by previous shift(s).
• Reports and unusual behavior of juveniles to appropriate Lead Detention Counselor, taking appropriate measures and documenting such actions.
• Initiates and maintains current records/files on residents, making precise and well written notes and reports that contain all pertinent information.
• At the beginning of the morning and evening shifts, participates in group meetings where staff orient residents as to behavioral expectations and schedule for the shift.
• Reports to Mental Health Counselor(s) of any unusual occurrences during shift.
• Performs room searches to control contraband, facility defacing and maintenance needs, taking appropriate action and documenting as needed.
• Performs frisk and strip searches when necessary to control contraband.
• Receives, screens and logs all incoming and outgoing telephone calls in the absence of the Receptionist; transfers incoming calls and takes messages as needed.
• Logs any person entering or leaving the facility and oversees visitors who come to see detained juveniles.
• Provides parents with appropriate information regarding residents' behavior and circumstances.
• Analyzes and evaluates present facility procedures and submits ideas for improvements.
• Shows initiative in organizing and implementing new activities for residents' enjoyment.
• Insures that the detention facility is maintained in a neat and clean manner by organizing residents in regular cleanup activities.
• Performs housekeeping duties as needed, including upkeep of staff and public areas and immediate outside perimeter, and washing clothes (resident's and facility's) and linens.
• Transports meals to facility and serves meals and snacks, following acceptable food handling practices.
• Performs duties specific to shift, as determined by Superintendent or designee.
• Performs any other such duties as may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• By law, incumbent must be age 21 or older.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate plus six months of experience working with youth in an organized setting, in either a paid or volunteer capacity.
• Other acceptable experience may include:
  • Corrections or law enforcement.
  • Employment in a residential setting.
  • Recreation programs.
  • Military experience.
  • Teaching.

Preference will be given to applicants with bachelor's degrees in fields relevant to this position, such as psychology, sociology, education, and criminal justice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Within three months of employment, employee must successfully complete training required to obtain and maintain certification as a Detention Officer by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
• Additionally, employee must complete courses in CPR and Emergency First Aid.
• Must complete approved restraint training within 30 days of employment.
• Must have current driver license.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of department policy, rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of Family Code and juvenile justice system.
• Ability to handle difficult situations among persons of widely divergent backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with young people.
• Emotional suitability for working with youth.
• Knowledge of security procedures and techniques.
• Ability to think and react quickly and carefully.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, various law enforcement officials, attorneys, juveniles and their parents and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Good physical condition.