Juvenile Detention Officer

About the Role

Under close supervision, performs security work of routine difficulty to control and care for detainees, and performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the safety and security of the staff, detainees, visitors, and facility.
• Schedules and supervises detainee activities and maintains discipline.
• May physically restrain uncooperative or disruptive detainees and take steps to avert fights, assaults, riots, and escapes.
• Conducts cell searches for contraband and unit safety checks.
• Monitors cameras, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors.
• Inventories tools and supplies; accounts for detainees under direct supervision.
• Conducts detainee counts to ensure accuracy of total detainee population.
• Provides care for detainees, including dispensing and overseeing meals.
• Provides security for nursing staff who administer medications and oversees detainee hygiene and showers.
• Schedules medical, counseling, personal, and other appointments, and conducts visiting sessions.
• Schedules transportation for appointments and visits outside of the facility; transports and arranges transport for detainees; documents all transports.
• Delivers mail and allows detainees to make personal and legal phone calls.
• Conducts booking and release of detainees; searches detainees; collects and inventories property.
• Completes fingerprints, photos, and booking forms; upon release, returns all property and notifies victims; distributes records appropriately.
• Interviews and classifies all new detainees; researches and assesses criminal history and capabilities.
• Assesses compatibility of each new detainee with others in the facility and assigns cells; re-classifies and re-arranges housing as required by detainee behavior.
• May supervise and monitor offenders detained under electronic surveillance program.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency radio calls; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses, and suspects in incidents.
• Identifies and collects evidence; completes detailed reports and required paperwork.
• Testifies at court hearings and prepares reports and materials requested and subpoenaed by the courts.
• Identifies, attends, and conducts training and educational programs and seminars.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing correctional institutions.
• Knowledge of search, transportation, detainment, and restraint methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of human behavior and various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Successful completion of Juvenile Detention Officer Academy.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be able to successfully pass polygraph, drug test, fingerprinting, physical, and psychological test.