Job Description

Reports To: Detention Supervisor
Supervises: N/A
FLSA: Non-Exempt

This position is responsible for the supervision and care for juvenile offenders and other court-involved youth in a confined, 24-hour secure detention facility. Individuals in this position need to be security minded and able to physically intervene, when necessary, empathetic, value diversity, desire to foster motivation, have a desire to work in a therapeutic environment, and believe that every individual can succeed. Be an active member on a team that values and requires a safe, respectful, and caring facility.

Examples of Job Duties*

Serves as a positive role model for juveniles detained at the center. Facilitates group activities and discussions; reports on behavior of youth; works closely with a variety of key partners who have an interest in detained youth including probation staff, nursing staff, teachers, community agencies, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement and others.

Conduct entire intake screening process to determine retention or release of youth. Receive juvenile presented for detention and verify authority to detain; evaluate physical/emotional status of juvenile by inquiry and observation techniques.

During intake, completes all necessary reports, records, and forms; searches youth, takes fingerprints, collects, records, and maintains inventory of personal articles, photographs and orients youth to the facility and program. Distributes and files documents, notifying appropriate legal, social, and parental parties.

Presents and explains youth’s rights, facility rules and expectations, and consequences; conducts searches, issues clothing and personal items; escorts juveniles to court appearances, transports to and from the facility; receives payment of bail.

Creates a firm, fair and consistent environment which models pro-social behaviors for juveniles and supports them in changing behaviors and patterns to achieve positive goals.

Enforces detention center rules, completes incident reports; and is an active participant in the facility’s behavioral management program. Intervenes in crisis situations. Manages behavior and diffuses disruptive behaviors through problem solving, crisis intervention, and/or counseling; participates in physical control of youth when the situation warrants it; participates in behavioral planning for special management population.

Supervises detainees in all areas of the facility including housing units, school, recreation, program, and visitation room. Facilitates unit or group activities; monitors completion of youths’ daily tasks, assists detainees with personal hygiene, medical or emotional concerns; administers emergency first aid; assists in detecting suspected drug and alcohol use; refers resident requests, concerns, and needs to the appropriate staff or resource.

Supervises the cleaning of the detention facility, clothing, and bedding by assigning and directing the work of detainees.

Participates in providing a clean and orderly work environment by cleaning, stocking supplies, and organizing the facility.

Operates control room video monitors, audio monitors, computers, touch probes and radios; responds to telephone inquiries by law enforcement officials, probation/parole counselors, other secure detention facilities attorneys, and parents.

May be required to drive a vehicle with exposure to the hazards associated with all weather conditions and traffic to transport youth.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the secure environment of the Juvenile Detention Facility. May be assigned to work outside the secure environment during transport of individuals in custody, or during other assignments as required. The position may occasionally lift and carry over 50 pounds. Physical hazard is present from angry, hostile, or aggressive individuals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of safety and security issues, and de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.

Knowledge of juvenile development, care, custody, and control.

Knowledge of the juvenile justice system.

Ability to appropriately use provided safety and security tools and tactics.

Ability to apply and use basic counseling methods, and to produce and maintain necessary records.

Skill in the use of various computer applications and office equipment and the ability to type at a pace reasonable for the position.

Knowledge, skill, and ability to use mechanical restraints, defensive tactics, and to physically control youth.

Ability to monitor the activities of the facility and recognize situations which threaten the safety and security of individuals and/or the facility and determine the most effective way of controlling the situation.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with juveniles, other employees, officials, the public, other agencies, individuals from a variety of social, economic, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.

Ability to evaluate and understand how to appropriately respond to juvenile’s behavior, while enforcing detention facility rules and regulations.

Ability to maintain composure during stressful, emotional, and potential violently disruptive situations and respond quickly, calmly, and with appropriate physical force.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED, preference given to candidates with a bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences, or those candidates who have completed coursework in Child Development, Criminal Justice, Education, Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or closely related field.

Experience: One year of experience working with Juveniles.

In lieu of the listed qualifications, we will consider any combination of education and experience which provides the candidate with desired knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

Must be age 21 or older.
Must have a valid Driver's License.

Must be able to pass comprehensive background investigation, which shows no criminal activity that could directly impact the ability to perform the job.

Must be able to pass the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center’s Physical Ability Test (PAT).

Must be able to successfully complete the Washington State Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy and successfully complete defensive tactics training within six (6) months of employment, which will be arranged by Benton County.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a first aid/CPR card, and defensive driving certification. Benton County will provide the appropriate resources to obtain these certifications.

Position : 171000017

Code : 119-1

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : JUVENILE - DETENTION

Grade : BICTY NE GR 04

Group : BI-COUNTY

Job Class : BI-COUNTY NON BARG NON-EXEMPT

Posting Start : 10/10/2025

Posting End : 10/17/2025

SALARY RANGE: $55,889.60-$72,529.60