Juvenile Institutions Officer

Juvenile Institutions Officer

The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill full-time vacancies for the Juvenile Institutions Officer position at the Juvenile Justice Center, located in Santa Maria, California. We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill current and future vacancies at that location. Therefore, applicants must be willing to accept an assignment at the Juvenile Justice Center. It is required that you select the "Santa Maria" location on the application to be considered.

Under direction, supervises, controls, guides, routinely counsels and motivates a group of youths and young adults in detention and/or treatment facilities; performs related duties as required. The ideal candidate will possess strong written and verbal communication, reputation for honesty and trustworthiness, excellent command presence, good moral character, credibility, and integrity.

Examples of Duties

1. Orients, observes, supervises controls, motivates, counsels, and maintains headcount of youths in a detention and/or treatment facility; enforces disciplinary rules and policies of the institution/facility; delivers medication as prescribed; participates in individual, group, or crisis counseling and facilitates the application of certain programs and compliance with case plans.
2. Plans, organizes, and coordinates work project details, recreation, and leisure activities for youth detainees; ensures youths complete activities within allotted timeframes.
3. Observes and writes reports on the attitude, behavior, and adjustment of youth detainees; recommends intervals at which suicidal youths should be observed; and enters pertinent narrative and statistical information into computer programs.
4. Supervises youth and young adults detainees during showers in order to ensure hygiene and security; supervises youth and young adults in performing work details.
5. Receives and releases youth and young adults; may make intake and release decisions; contacts and informs parents/guardians of case status; supervises visits between parents and youths; supervises youths who are on alternative release status or on probation and living at home.
6. Redirects and/or physically restrains assaultive youths; secures and transports detained youth and young adults.
7. Participates in the development of case plans; participates in team meetings with youth/young adults and family members, schools, and mental health professionals to determine case plan objectives and treatment goals.
8. Occasionally assists in the routine preparation and serving/distribution of meals.
9. May train colleagues in a specialized area of expertise; may train and guide Extra Help employees and volunteers.
10. May act as lead officer of a shift, as needed.

Employment Standards

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards. In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications:

1. A combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (Some examples of positions with relatable experience include: social workers, case managers, coaches, correctional officers, guidance counselors, behavioral counselors, development advisors, behavioral specialists, resource specialists, programs coordinators, teacher's aides, special education coordinators, camp counselors, youth leaders, psychiatric technicians, teachers, those with military service, and crisis intervention specialists); OR,
2. Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. note that no degree is required, and job-related experience may be substituted for the required education.

Additional Requirements:

• Appointees must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031 including, but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined through a background check (this includes a polygraph examination); and no physical, mental, or emotional condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must have successfully completed "Core" training and an introductory law enforcement procedures program (PC 832), certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Driver's license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently.
• All appointees must successfully complete 40 hours of intense, on-the-job training, which focuses on facility security and operations, psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adult offenders, and the growth, development, needs, and problems of youth and young adults.
• Some positions in this classification may require incumbents to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver License. Appointees to those positions requiring a Class B license will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; once assigned, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.

Knowledge of Standard English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage; report writing; standard computer applications used in an office; basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and percentages. Ability to Read and comprehend materials; learn and apply psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth involved in the justice system; learn about the growth, development, needs, and issues of youth; gain the confidence and respect of youths; supervise youths; perceive, evaluate, and de-escalate or resolve tense group situations; make rational decisions; observe, recall, and document behavior; note behavior patterns and behavior changes for signs of potential problems; read, understand, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures; enforce rules while maintaining flexibility; counsel and motivate individuals and groups and provide support and control as needed; work with youths in an assertive, calm manner; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work well under pressure; work in a structured, regimented work environment; meet deadlines; maintain professional ethics; learn and follow County and departmental policies, goals, and objectives; drive safely and legally; work harmoniously with others; maintain confidentiality and impartiality; maintain professional demeanor even when dealing with hostile or abusive individuals; use a computer keyboard. Desirable Qualifications: Bilingual skills: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.