JOB
This position works in a secure 24-hour 7-days per week detention facility with male and female clients under the age of 18 years of age and is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, secure environment for juveniles and ensuring that their care and programming needs are met. The position consists of highly motivated individuals who will provide structured programs and activities while maintaining a high sense of safety and security in accordance with the established Policies and Procedures. The position interacts directly with juveniles with the focus on managing behavior by the least restrictive means, utilizing coaching and conflict resolution skills to promote pro-social behavior, encourage appropriate interactions, promote a sense of self-worth, and reinforce the relationship between behavior and consequences. The position strives to embody a positive, caring, and respectful image that the youth can emulate. Juvenile Court Services is a professional environment and employees are required to meet all departmental policies, procedures and standards.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Maintain internal and external security of facility on assigned shift by making frequent visual checks of each room as well as formal and informal inspections of visitors, facility, packages and mail delivered to the facility.Inspect facility to ensure cleanliness and to maintain sanitary standards. Serve as Control Room officer, as assigned; coordinating and monitoring the communications for the facility; maintaining accurate headcounts and locations of all staff and juveniles; granting entrance and egress from the facility; operating electronic audio/video surveillance equipment .Conduct entire intake screening process to determine admission 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. If admitted, completes all necessary reports, records and forms; searches youth, collects, records, and maintains inventory of person articles, photographs and orients youth to the facility and program. Distributes and files documents, notifying appropriate legal, social, and parental parties. Coordinate the release of juveniles as authorized, verifying the completion and resolution of any pending actions, identifying whom the youth is to be released, and updating all related reports and records.Input and update computer and manual files to complete incident, general, juvenile personal accounts, and statistical reports ensuring legal requirements are met. Prepare, escort and assure custody of juveniles in transit to court appearances, other correctional facilities, and social service and other appointments or activities.Provide direct supervision for youth in facility, which includes: 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.Special attention to individual considerations, such as mental health, emotional needs, gender identity, cultural or ethnic requirements.Educational and/or recreational structured programming. This includes both overseeing programs performed by volunteers/ contractors and directly providing programs and groups aimed at teaching pro-social behavior, games and other activities.Providing for health care needs of each juvenile by closely observing physical and mental status, referring to an appropriate agency for health care, as necessary, treating minor illnesses and injuries in detention and dispensing medications as authorized or directed.Serving meals and snacks.Instructing juveniles in housekeeping, sanitation responsibilities and personal hygiene.Defusing disruptive/destructive behaviors through problem solving, crisis intervention, advice, guidance, and or counseling.Provide excellent customer service, professional and respectful behavior and communication at all times, with co-workers, visitors and other stakeholders in the juvenile justice field (law enforcement, probation counselors, attorneys, service providers, etc.).Performs related duties as required and assigned.Knowledge, Skills and ability: Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and of community resources.Knowledge of principles and techniques of juvenile development, care, custody, control, and related aspects of juvenile group interactions.Ability to effectively relate to juveniles in a consistent manner to meet their needs in a highly structured setting.Ability to physically handle and control juveniles resisting detention.Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse conditions.Ability to be alert and ready at all times to effectively respond to abnormal conditions and situations.Ability to perform duties with personal and professional conduct, attitude and appearances.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and volunteers within the agency and interact professionally with other governmental and private agencies in the community.Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include shift rotation, callback status, evenings, holidays or weekend hours.Ability to run, sit, climb stairs and perform physical defensive tactics.