Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant

About the role

Do you have a criminal justice background or interest? Do you enjoy working with youth populations? Do you want to make a difference today with juveniles in the system? Are you looking for a part time opportunity to make some extra money, learn something new, grow as a person and professional and meet some amazing colleagues? If so, we have an opportunity for you.

The Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) is seeking positive, assertive, reliable, and confident individuals to serve as role models for youth staying in our short-term Juvenile Detention facility. Juvenile Detention Officers provide for the day-to-day direct supervision of youth detained in a 24-hour pre-adjudication detention program. Officers maintain the safety and security of detained youth, ensure the health and welfare of each juvenile, counsel clients on an individual basis, and facilitate cognitive skills groups to assist juveniles in developing appropriate coping skills and prosocial behaviors. Juvenile Detention Officers implement appropriate programs for clients and document client behavior in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable standards. The ideal candidate for this position will have a unique opportunity to serve, protect and have a positive impact on the lives of youth from various backgrounds and communities. Detention Services’ mission is to provide competency development, accountability, welfare, and community protection. The Detention Services Program provides for the detention of male and female juveniles who are awaiting disposition of their cases by the court. Services are provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in a secure pre-adjudication facility. Services offered include classroom instruction by Austin Independent School District teachers, Counseling Services and recreational activities.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct supervision of all client daily activities.
• Maintains accountability of all clients and equipment and ensures that the environment is safe, clean and secure.
• Ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior.
• Conducts inspections, rounds and drills which includes room searches, pat searches, fire drills and emergency response readiness training.
• Transports youths to and from appointments as needed.
• Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertainment programs and activities.
• Conducts cognitive skill groups and teamwork activities.
• Models competency in direct care principles for less experienced staff.
• Documents clients’ behavior and enters into department computer information system.
• Assists in training other juvenile supervision officers.
• Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling as required.
• Ensures environment is safe and clean.
• Maintains order and discipline.
• Physically restrains aggressive juveniles using approved protocols and procedures.
• Serves on committees and participates in special projects.
• Maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Assists in investigating incidents involving clients.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D.; OR, any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and