Juvenile Detention Supervision Officer Juvenile Detention - J29290 - 34920

Juvenile Detention Officer

Supervises juveniles and provides security within the County's detention facilities.

Essential duties and responsibilities 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 statute 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 Detention Counselor(s) of next shift 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. Ensures 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.

Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any employee who drives a vehicle on official business must have a driving record which meets standards set by the County and the County's insurance carrier.

Experience and / or experience : By law, incumbent must be age 21 or older. Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Preferred, but not required : experience working with youths in a residential setting, recreation program, volunteer capacity and / or schools. Preference will be given to applicants with bachelor's degrees in fields relevant to this position, such as psychology, sociology, education, and criminal justice.

Language skills : Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical skills : Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions and percentages.

Reasoning ability : Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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 a valid Texas Driver License or current ID. Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate within 6 months of employment (if you have a valid diver 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.

Physical demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and / or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of communicable diseases and personal injury from residents. The noise level in the work environment ranges from moderate to loud.