Assistant Juvenile Detention Director

Department: Juvenile Detention

Position Control Number: 0425-004

FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test: Yes

Opening Date: December 2, 2025

Closing Date: December 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting in the management of the operation of the Juvenile Detention Facility ensuring supervision, control, and safety of the detained juveniles.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assigns Juvenile Detention Shift Supervisors and Juvenile Detention Officers to appropriate shifts ensuring compliance with staffing regulations and policies.
Monitors the detention center’s operations to ensure compliance with policies, standards, and applicable laws.
Reviews all intake files to monitor compliance with regulations concerning necessary documentation for lawful juvenile detention.
Instructs in-service training classes for staff.
Monitors the educational classes provided to juveniles ensuring conformance to directives from the Arkansas Department of Education.
Reviews reports submitted by shift supervisors; refer any identified procedural discrepancies or juvenile disciplinary problems to Director.
Prepares reports; submits to courts and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Inspects the facility daily to ensure proper standards of cleanliness are maintained.
Monitors condition of juvenile uniforms; ensures the disposal and replacement of juvenile uniforms as needed.
Investigates complaints from citizens or agencies concerning the operation of the center or conduct of staff; responds to concerned individuals resolving issues.
Inventories property, supplies, and equipment ensuring adequate quantity and proper working conditions; submits requisition for supplies.
Manages administrative functions including training of personnel, food service, and building maintenance.
Makes decisions regarding resident disciplinary action longer than one hour; meets with residents in restricted status to develop a plan for release from restrictions.
Conducts applicant interviews and assigns applicant background investigations; makes hiring, disciplinary, and promotional recommendations.
Assists with the development of budget proposals and long-range departmental planning.
Assists with the development and maintenance of the facility database.
Conducts research for the availability of grants; completes an application for such.
Assists in the development, implementation, and enforcement of departmental goals, policies, and procedures; make recommendations for changes as appropriate.
Works shift rotation as needed.
Remains on call during off-duty hours on a regular basis.
Attends seminars and training classes as required to maintain certification as Juvenile Detention Officer.
Conduct public service presentations to the public, outside agencies, and governing officials as needed.
Attends meetings as needed in the event of the absence of the Director.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: Provides direct supervision to three Juvenile Detention Shift Supervisors and indirect supervision to twenty-two Juvenile Detention Officers, one Juvenile Detention Clerk, one Environmental Specialist, three teachers, and two Instructional Aides.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily within a controlled detention environment. Frequent interaction with hostile and/or agitated juveniles and parents is required. The position must remain on-call for weekly periods on a regular basis. Occasional transporting of youth to other facilities is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of juvenile standards and policies governing juvenile detention.
Considerable knowledge of the laws governing juveniles within the legal system.
Good knowledge of the education development, stages, theories, and related curriculum for secondary school-age youth.
Considerable knowledge of juvenile development and related emotions and physical needs.
Good knowledge of techniques, principles, and methods of supervision.
Good knowledge of communication and guidance techniques for dealing with youth.
Ability to exercise judgment in the application of departmental rules and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain detailed and accurate recordkeeping systems.
Ability to interpret and enforce departmental rules and regulations and develop modifications when necessary.
Ability to react effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to design and instruct training sessions on various aspects of juvenile detention procedures and juvenile care.
Ability to provide supervision and direction to personnel responsible for juvenile detention.
Ability to remain on-call on a regular basis.
Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
Skill in the operation of a computer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to communicate orally, both individually and in groups.
Digital dexterity for keyboard operation.
Visual acuity is needed for use of a computer monitor and surveillance of juvenile activities and center conditions.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of college-level coursework in Law Enforcement, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field; extensive experience in the field of juvenile detention; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check (no previous felony convictions), motor vehicle report, child maltreatment check, and a psychological exam.
In addition to pre-employment checks, employees who operate county vehicles are required to undergo an annual motor vehicle report.
This position is safety-sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Must possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License.
Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.
Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

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ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, please contact humanresources@pulaskicounty.net or call (501) 340-6110.

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