JTDC - Rapid Response Team Specialist

JOB TITLE :

• RAPID RESPONSE TEAM SPECIALIST DIVISON :               OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES LOCATION :            JUVENILE TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER                                 11OO S HAMILTON                                 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  60612 UNION :                   TEAMSTERS 700 GRADE :                  PS2 SALARY :                $32.341 / $67,269 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 :