Juvenile Detention Officer

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent serves as Juvenile Detention Officer, responsible for supervising youth and maintaining the safety and security of the facility in compliance with the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) Standards, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Conditions of Confinement.

DUTIES:

• Supervise daily activity of youth, including recreation, education, meals, personal hygiene, and special programs.
• Monitor and record observed behaviors and program compliance; provide appropriate interventions as needed; teach behavioral alternatives, etc.
• Read and document all required information in the unit log and behavior logs daily.
• Complete all intake and release procedures, including documentation, for all youth entering and exiting the facility.
• Conduct searches of residents, cells, personal property, and the facility according to set policies and procedures.
• Operate doors and cameras in secure detention and security control booth.
• Maintain daily logs of security checks and persons entering/leaving the building.
• Monitor the physical health and mental well-being of each youth; make arrangements for appropriate care.
• Administer medication to youth as prescribed by appropriate medical personnel and complete required documentation.
• Transport youth to and from appointments.
• Maintain necessary communication with probation, law enforcement, parents/guardians, and outside service providers.
• Organize and facilitate group programming for youth.
• Respond to and submit required documentation regarding emergency situations (i.e. resident/staff injuries, criminal activity, property damage, misconduct, abuse and/or neglect, fire, etc.); including contacting emergency personnel and directing them to the appropriate location.
• Greet all visitors and members of the public as they enter the facility, conducting an appropriate security check of all individuals and their personal belongings.
• Answer telephone and direct callers to the appropriate individual or department.
• Make House Arrest Calls on behalf of Probation.
• Monitor fire system and conduct routine security checks of the Administration Building, outer buildings, and grounds, including locking doors and vehicles; turning off lights, water, office, and kitchen equipment; checking for security breaches; checking for safety hazards; etc.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma; however, individuals working toward a college degree or with prior related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of the Juvenile Code, criminal justice system, and child welfare system preferred.
• Knowledge of human development and ability to effectively direct, supervise, monitor, and appropriately interact with the juvenile population.
• Ability to work with cases of chemical dependency, substance use, potential suicide, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
• Ability to obtain/maintain certification in “best practice” models (ie, WhyTry)
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment, work on several tasks at the same time and prepare detailed reports and documentation.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and to complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.
• Ability to respond swiftly, rationally, and decisively to emergency situations, despite the possibility of exposure to violent/irate individuals and situations involving potential physical harm to self and others.
• Knowledge of and ability to make practical application of conflict resolution, and behavior/crisis management skills.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and Handle with Care/Plus required.
• Ability to meet all Center hiring and retention requirements, including background checks with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of Child Services, local police, and FBI.
• Availability to work varied and/or extended hours.
• Proof of current TB shot (within 1 year of employment).
• Applicants must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, insurance, and demonstrated safe driving record.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent performs a variety of duties that are broad in scope and require consideration of complex variables and their potential interrelationships in assessing campus security and individual youth needs and implementing various intervention strategies and techniques. Guidelines are detailed and well established, requiring independent judgment in adapting to individual cases and situations.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent makes a substantial contribution to the proper functioning of the program; the effective implementation of individualized juvenile services; and the safety and security of the facility. Incumbent works according to standard department policies and procedures, discussing with the supervisor unusual or unprecedented situations. Work is primarily reviewed for soundness of judgment and compliance with well-established policies and procedures.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains contact with the juvenile’s parents/guardians, probation, and outside service providers for the purpose of exchanging information, collaborating, and coordinating services to meet the needs of the juvenile.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs the majority of duties within a confinement facility with no unusual physical demands. Incumbent is occasionally exposed to violent/irate individuals and occasionally responds to emergency situations involving potential physical harm to self and others. Incumbent’s duties may include some heavy lifting and exposure to inclement weather. Incumbent works with others in a team environment and frequently work on several tasks at the same time, often under time constraints.

Incumbent may be required to work varied or extended hours in order to meet Center needs; this may include evening, weekend, and overnight shifts in other departments as needed.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.82 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account

Work Location: In person