0000007418.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 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, including 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.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school/GED program.
• 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 will be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age (for applicable positions) 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.

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.
• High tolerance for working in an emotionally demanding/stressful work environment.
• Ability to restrain and/or chase youths.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Works inside a secured facility with potential exposure to hepatitis, tuberculosis, lice, and other diseases.
• Subject to shift changes, mandatory overtime, or remaining on duty for an additional shift (“double shift”).
• May be required to utilize a vehicle to transport youths.
• May be considered ‘essential personnel’ and subject to being held over or called back to a work location or alternate site at all times.
• Employee will or may be transferred to another department, shift, location, or facility based on the needs of the Department.