0000002325.JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER I.JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

About the role

Functions as an entry level Juvenile Detention Officer providing direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility in a manner that ensures the health, safety and welfare of each youth is in compliance with departmental policies and procedures and all applicable standards.
• Provides individual and group counseling to all youths to promote and increase personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives.
• Makes critical and sound judgments and decisions during crisis or potentially dangerous situations, only in the absence of the supervisor; informs supervisor of problems or situations encountered and actions taken; and documents actions.
• Disciplines youths by enforcing the rules of the facility, documents behavior and other specific information and forwards to appropriate personnel.
• Serves as back-up to staff and assumes all duties as necessary, i.e., administering medications, transporting youths to appointments, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths.
• Conducts inspections, rounds and drills which includes room checks and physical searches of youths.
• Transports youths to and from appointments.
• Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertaining programs and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school/GED program.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must be certified as required by applicable standards for the facility/department assigned within six months of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, with a good driving record.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation and mandatory drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.

Working Conditions

Position requires working with juveniles who may have committed dangerous/ aggressive acts; should possess a high tolerance for working in an emotionally demanding/stressful work environment. Working in a 24-hour facility may make the employee subject to working mandatory overtime or remaining on duty and working all, or a part of, an additional shift. The incumbent is / may be considered to be ‘essential personnel’ subject to being held over or called back to a work location or alternate site at all times.

Must be at least 21 years of age and must pass all portions (physical/written) of the Juvenile Academy to continue employment or all standards related to PREA and Ethics for specific positions.

Works inside a secured facility with potential exposure to hepatitis, tuberculosis, lice and other diseases. Ability to restrain and/or chase youths. May be required to utilize vehicle to transport youths.