JCO II-III-IV - MHTP-CSU-BSU (GNS)

About the Role

Provides supervision and direct care for youth in a residential correctional facility. Works to help youth achieve progress in learning and applying methods to identify and manage reactions to stress and trauma, and react in more socially appropriate ways. Uses appropriate intervention methods in response to behavioral issues to aid in learning and correcting behavior. Facilitates unit programming, schedule, and safety protocols. Utilizes Texas Model interventions and other trained interventions to help youth improve their overall level of safety, communication, and emotion regulation.

Maintains a consistent effort to ensure safe environments and employs security measures when youth, staff, or others are in danger. Interacts and engages with youth in ways that both maintain appropriate structure and exercise understanding of brain development in youth with complex trauma. Maintains healthy relationships and boundaries with youth and consistently recognizes progress and good choices made by youth.

Work involves facilitating youth rehabilitation, supervising youth, and coaching their personal development in accordance with individualized treatment plans. Works assigned shift, is subject to being on-call, and may be required to work in excess of 40 hours per work week. Occasional travel may be required.

Career Ladder Promotion Opportunity

This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Juvenile Correctional Officers. Personnel in this career ladder have the working title of Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO). JCOs receive career ladder salary adjustments upon meeting established eligibility criteria per agency policy (PRS.15.08) until they reach the top level of the ladder. Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and education. Progression to the highest pay level on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.

Pre-Service Training Academy Requirement

Newly hired JCOs or rehired JCOs who have been separated more than 18 months will be required to attend the pre-service training academy and complete on-the-job training on a full-time basis. JCOs who have worked for TJJD and return to employment within 18 months of their separation date are not placed in the pre-service academy and will be placed in full-time status on their date of employment.

Levels of Work

• Juvenile Correctional Officer II: Performs moderately complex (journey-level) work under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Juvenile Correctional Officer III: Performs complex (journey-level) work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Juvenile Correctional Officer IV: Performs highly complex (senior-level) work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Engages in competency-based training in the techniques and capabilities needed to coach youth under the Texas Model of trauma-informed corrections.
• Holds youth accountable in ways that fit the level of behavior, seeking to help youth learn socially acceptable responses and approaches.
• Uses good judgment in determining when safety is at risk and higher levels of intervention are required.
• Helps youth identify their responses to stress, fear, and other triggers and works with the youth to learn ways to increase emotional self-regulation skills.
• Practices and models appropriate self-regulation skills and remains calm during times of stress and crisis.
• Gains a basic knowledge of each youth’s treatment plan and provides support in learning the skills and applying Texas Model and clinical interventions recommendations needed to meet those goals.
• Coaches youth on how to resolve conflict and helps facilitate repairs with other youth and staff as appropriate.
• Participates in the Youth Service Team and provides input into each youth’s treatment plan; acts as a responsible and supportive team member.
• Provides a predictable schedule for youth that is transparent to them and gives warnings and prompts for all movements and transitions.
• Implements and monitors youth activities, programs, and behaviors on an individual and group basis to ensure healthy youth engagement and provide appropriate role modeling.
• Observes and keeps staff informed daily of significant behavioral, medical, social, emotional needs, and treatment-related conditions and events known about a youth and/or the group.
• Provides services to potentially aggressive/combative youth in a correctional setting with a wide variety of temperaments (volatile, mentally ill, suicidal) and specialized needs (chemically dependent).