Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor

About the role

The Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor provides supervision and directs Youth Care Workers in the care and custody of youths who have been alleged and/or adjudicated delinquent, and are residents of the Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center. The position is operationally responsible, through subordinate staff, for the security and care of youths on a day‑to‑day basis. Reports to the Juvenile Justice Center Deputy Director of Operations and/or a higher‑level official. Supervises Youth Care Workers and Juvenile Justice Center Assistant Supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in management of detention operations and provide direct care work to juveniles.
• Develop work assignments for Youth Care Workers and schedule post assignments daily.
• Inform staff of new and revised procedures and policies.
• Tour and inspect facility routinely to ascertain circumstances, observe work in progress, and overall activities.
• Determine coverage needs according to changing circumstances (special programs, fire drills, youth transports).
• Observe activities, groups, and conduct while assessing atmosphere.
• Coordinate and assign staff as necessary to provide complete facility coverage.
• Train newly hired Youth Care Workers and report difficulties or potential problems.
• Provide information and recommend changes in programs, goals, policies, and operations; assist in development.
• Provide control and handle juvenile inappropriate behavior, including use of restraints or isolation when necessary, and issue incident reports.
• Provide information for and/or prepare statistical and other reports.
• Ensure applicable laws and statutes are followed.
• Control youth medication: issue on established schedules and document responses.
• Respond to needed medical care and provide first aid when needed.
• Assess and determine nature/cause of facility problems and take or suggest corrective action.
• Prepare daily shift reports detailing prominent events.
• Prepare special reports and perform related administrative duties.
• Perform job‑related duties as assigned, including duties of a Youth Care Worker as needed.

Requirements

Education & Experience: Completion of an Associate's Degree in Social or Behavioral sciences or a related field; AND at least three (3) years full‑time experience as a Youth Care Worker with Northampton County; OR at least three (3) years of full‑time experience in a field working with youths with emotional, social, or legal problems. NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Criminal Justice may substitute for one (1) year of the general work experience requirement. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license with an acceptable driving record.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of regulations and operations affecting a facility housing alleged/adjudicated delinquent youths.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques for planning, assigning, and reviewing Youth Care Worker work.
• Knowledge of youth social, emotional, and mental development stages through the teen years.
• Skill in communicating and supervising youth in custody, ensuring safety and security.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with youth and professionals.
• Ability to use physical techniques to control residents typically aged 16‑18.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
• Must be available to work shifts in a 24‑hour, 7‑day operation.
• Tools and equipment: telephone, personal computer (word processing/spreadsheet), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, paper shredder, radio, handcuffs.

Schedule

This position works second shift – 3 P.M. to 11 P.M.