Juvenile Detention Officer I, II or III

About the role

The Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) seeks individuals with a criminal justice background or interest to serve as role models for youth in our short-term Juvenile Detention facility. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to serve, protect, and positively impact the lives of youth from various backgrounds and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision of all client daily activities.
• Maintain accountability of all clients and equipment and ensure the environment is safe, clean, and secure.
• Ensure clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior.
• Conduct inspections, rounds, and drills including room searches, pat searches, fire drills, and emergency response readiness training.
• Transport youths to and from appointments as needed.
• Coordinate and provide daily educational and entertainment programs and activities.
• Conduct cognitive skill groups and teamwork activities.
• Model competency in direct care principles for less experienced staff.
• Document clients' behavior and enter into department computer information system.
• Aid in training other juvenile supervision officers.
• Provide individual and crisis intervention counseling as required.
• Maintain communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist in investigating incidents involving clients.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
  • Juvenile Detention Officer I: High School Diploma or equivalent AND one (1) year experience working in the Human and Social Services field.
  • Juvenile Detention Officer II: Associate’s degree in Human Services or a directly related field AND two (2) years of experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or related field.
  • Juvenile Detention Officer III: Associate’s degree in Human Services or a related field AND three (3) years’ experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or related field.
• Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must not have a disqualifying criminal history as defined by Texas Administrative Code Chapter 344.
  • Certification as a Juvenile Detention Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire.
  • Successful completion of CPR Certification, First Aid, and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques).
  • Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with youth in a secured facility.
• Associate degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures, and legal terminology related to the court system.
• Understanding of federal, state, local, and county applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, and juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Ability to monitor and respond to client behavior, problem-solve, and make decisions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage time well, and perform multiple tasks.
• Experience conducting investigations and reporting results clearly, accurately, and impartially.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees, and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system, and the general public.

Skills

• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• First aid techniques.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and a variety of software packages.

Benefits

Travis County offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

Starting hourly rates for Juvenile Detention Officer I, II, and III positions are $24.23, $24.95, and $25.82 respectively.

Schedule

Shift work: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM (Must be able to work all three shifts as needed.)