0000005069.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

• Provide day‑to‑day direct supervision to youths in a 24‑hour detention facility, ensuring health, safety, and welfare in compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Provide individual and group counseling to promote personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives.
• Make critical and sound judgments during crisis 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, document behavior and specific information, and forward to appropriate personnel.
• Serve as back‑up to staff and assume duties as necessary, including administering medications, transporting youths to appointments, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths.
• Physically handle youths using “handling with care” techniques, including takedowns, chasing, and restraining, 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, entertainment, and activity programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program.

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 certification required by applicable standards for the assigned facility/department 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.
• Ability to work shift changes, mandatory overtime, double shifts, and be designated as essential personnel subject to recall.
• Must be at least 21 years of age (where applicable) and pass all portions (physical/written) of the Juvenile Academy and standards related to PREA and Ethics.
• 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.
• May be required to utilize a vehicle to transport youths.