Juvenile Detention Officer

Summary

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

Essential Job Functions

• 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; conducts unit safety checks; monitors cameras, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors; inventories tools and supplies; accounts for detainees under direct supervision; conducts detainee counts to insure accuracy of total detainee population.
• Provides care for detainees; dispenses and oversees meals; provides security for the 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 and photos; completes 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.

Knowledge and Skills

• 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.

Desirable 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.