0000006144.JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER III.JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

About the Role

Functions as a lead Juvenile Detention Officer in providing direct supervision to youths in a 24‑hour detention facility and assists in the development and evaluation of residential programs. Management scope may include assuming divisional responsibility in the absence of the shift supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct day‑to‑day supervision to youths in a 24‑hour detention facility, ensuring the health, safety and welfare of each youth.
• Acts as a lead Juvenile Detention Officer and assumes divisional responsibility when the shift supervisor is absent.
• Provides individual and group counseling to promote personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives.
• Exercises critical judgment during crisis or potentially dangerous situations, conducts crisis‑intervention counseling, and notifies the supervisor of concerns.
• Disciplines youths by enforcing facility rules, documents behavior and forwards information to appropriate personnel.
• Trains and evaluates staff and maintains time and attendance records in the absence of a shift supervisor.
• Transports youths to and from appointments.
• Serves as backup to staff and assumes duties as necessary, including administering medications, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths.
• Performs “handling with care” techniques—including takedowns, chasing, and restraining youth—as required by Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) standards.
• Conducts inspections, rounds and drills, including room checks and physical searches of youths.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program.
• Two (2) years of related work experience.

Special Requirements, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication; ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees, departments, and the public.
• Current Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Maintain 40 hours of training yearly.
• Certification as required by applicable facility/department standards.
• 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/alcohol testing during employment.
• Ability to work shift changes, mandatory overtime, double shifts, and be considered essential personnel subject to recall.
• Must be at least 21 years of age (where applicable) and pass all portions of the Juvenile Academy, as well as standards related to PREA and Ethics.
• High tolerance for emotionally demanding and stressful work environments involving juveniles who may have committed dangerous or aggressive acts.
• May be transferred 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.