0000002854.JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER II.JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

About the role

Functions as a journey‑level Juvenile Detention Officer, providing direct supervision to youths in a 24‑hour detention facility.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to youths to ensure health, safety, and welfare in compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Deliver individual and group counseling to promote personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives.
• Make critical judgments and decisions during crises or potentially dangerous situations in the absence of a supervisor; inform the supervisor of problems, actions taken, and document actions.
• Discipline youths by enforcing facility rules, documenting behavior and specific information, and forwarding reports to appropriate personnel.
• Serve as back‑up staff and assume duties as necessary, including administering medications, transporting youths to appointments, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths.
• Perform “handling with care” techniques—takedowns, chasing, and restraining youth—as required by Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) standards.
• Conduct inspections, rounds, and drills, including room checks and physical searches of youths.
• Transport youths to and from appointments.
• Coordinate and provide daily educational and recreational program activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program.
• At least one (1) year of work‑related experience.

Special Requirements, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication; ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees, departments, and the public.
• Obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Obtain any facility‑specific certifications required by applicable standards within six months of employment.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Pass an extensive background investigation.
• Mandatory drug testing prior to employment and random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.
• Flexibility for shift changes, mandatory overtime, double shifts, and being designated as essential personnel who may be called back at any time.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and pass all portions (physical/written) of the Juvenile Academy, as well as standards related to PREA and Ethics for specific positions.
• High tolerance for emotionally demanding and stressful work environments, including working with juveniles who may have committed dangerous or aggressive acts.
• Potential for transfer to another department, shift, location, or facility based on departmental needs.

Physical / Environmental Requirements

• Work inside a secured facility with potential exposure to hepatitis, tuberculosis, lice, and other diseases.
• Ability to restrain and/or chase youths, including performing takedowns and other “handling with care” techniques.
• May be required to operate a vehicle to transport youths.