Youth Care Worker/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;
• 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 administers 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.

Qualifications

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