Detention Youth Counselor

Salary : $52,416.00 - $72,238.40 Annually
Location : Davenport, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 01940
Department: Youth Justice & Rehabilitation Center
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/2/2026 4:30 PM Central


Job Summary


Under general supervision, the Detention Youth Counselor provides close supervision and counseling to residents housed at the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center to improve behaviors as well as achieve individual goal plans. Provides training to assigned staff.

Job Responsibilities


Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Manages and monitors detention center residents; screens residents to determine placement; deescalates residents and restrains if needed; supervises residents through all daily activities to include meals, chores, recreation time, and shower procedures; responds to various requests.


Conducts room searches; pats down residents entering and exiting the building and after visits; monitors security cameras to ensure residents are safe and well.


Conducts minute checks on residents on suicide watch or on room confinement; maintains accurate counts of medications, keys, pencils, and utensils each shift; completes and documents periodic fire drills.


Implements Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Yoga, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) training with residents; schedules speakers on a variety of topics to educate, motivate, and inspire residents; administers testing for advancement within our program.


Facilitates resident needs; schedules phone calls and visits with family, attorneys and Juvenile Court Officers; schedules haircuts as needed; cleans laundry, sheets, and blankets.


Monitors and verifies all required staff certifications are current to include CPI, CPR, ART, Medication Manager, and Safe Serve certifications.


Completes a variety of daily paperwork to include meal roster, phone list, refrigerator and freezer temperatures, and notes regarding the daily activities and interactions of residents; scans and submits to Juvenile Court Officers; completes incident, restraint, and injury reports; writes behavioral observation notes for each resident at the end of each shift.


Processes the intake and discharge of residents; verifies discharge files are complete and orderly prior to annual audit; compiles and documents all court dates for residents; communicates with County Bailiffs regarding court dates for residents.


Prepares and serves all meals and snacks in compliance with the Federal School Lunch Program; cleans, sanitizes, and stores all dishes and utensils; takes out garbage and cleans kitchen after each meal; manages portion control; tracks food allergies for individual residents.


Responds to the medical needs of residents; administers minor first aid as needed; completes medical protocol for every injury; monitors residents that need to be taken to the hospital.


Prepares medications for transfer to other facilities; passes medications both prescribed and over the counter; documenting each med passed; orders and stores medication securely upon delivery.


Cleans up biohazardous materials; collects stool samples for lab tests; administers and evaluates mental health evaluations and makes referrals as needed.


Performs a variety of minor maintenance as needed in the evenings and on weekends when regular maintenance staff is off duty. Staff trains interns and new employees in all aspects of daily work.


Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.


Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards For Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field; AND six (6) months of experience working with youths in the court system; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.


Knowledge of:
Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.


Work safety policies, procedures, and practices.


De-escalation techniques.


Behavior management methods and practices.


Skill in:
Conducing mental health evaluations.


Maintaining accurate records.


Preparing clear and concise reports.


Operating a computer to include standard software and some specialized software.


Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.


Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

License and Certification Requirements
Must possess a Medication Manager and Safe Serve certification or obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
Must complete Crisis Prevention Institute training within six (6) months of hire.
Must maintain a First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification within six (6) months of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed throughout the detention center and requires exposure to potential physical harm from residents, hazardous cleaning chemicals, bodily fluids, and a variety of kitchen and general maintenance equipment and tools.
Moderate physical exertion may be required when physically restraining residents.
The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.