0000006135.JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER I.JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

Job Description

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.
• Must be physically able to perform “handling with care” techniques, including takedowns, chasing and restraining youth as outlined in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) requirement.
• 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 or GED program.

Special Requirements, Knowledge, Skills & 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.
• Mandatory drug testing prior to employment and subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.
• Employee will be subject to shift changes and may be required to work mandatory overtime, double shifts, or remain on duty.
• Position requires working with juveniles who may have committed dangerous/aggressive acts; must have high tolerance for an emotionally demanding/stressful work environment.
• Employee may be transferred to another department, shift, location, or facility based on Department needs.
• Incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” and subject to being called back at any time.
• Must be at least 21 years of age (for applicable positions) and must pass all portions (physical/written) of the Juvenile Academy and standards related to PREA and Ethics for specific positions.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• 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 a vehicle to transport youths.