Juvenile Detention Officer

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE

BFOQ Justification: Due to the legal requirements outlined in the Prison Rape Elimination Act (28 CFR § 115.315), which restricts cross-gender supervision during showering, toileting, and changing, this position requires a male officer to meet the gender-specific supervision needs of male residents. This requirement qualifies as a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

The Juvenile Detention Officer supervises and coaches juveniles in a secure correctional setting, implements disciplinary procedures, when necessary, maintains security and control, and organizes activities and programs. Applicants will undergo a law enforcement background investigation prior to being considered and continued for employment. Overtime, shift work, weekend, and holiday work are required.
Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Processes juveniles through intake procedures, including paperwork, searches, property inventory, showers and drug screening.
• Tutor and reinforce general education requirements learn in the detention classroom, encourage personal hygiene, and encourage participation in arts and crafts, detention officer lead games and sports, and basic cleaning.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.  Completes inventory of supplies and food; launders juvenile detention clothing, bedding, and towels.
• Screen and evaluate (at intake) juveniles for abuse, behavioral problems, alcohol and drug withdrawal, security risk and psychological needs. 
• Identify problems, provide crisis intervention and implement disciplinary measures as necessary; maintains sight supervision of juveniles at all times during waking hours and conduct visual checks during sleeping hours.
• Diffuse potentially assaultive or threatening behavior; physically restrains juveniles when necessary via department-provided training and methods.
• Monitor and operate electronic equipment such as doors, cameras, and intercoms.
• Administer first aid as needed; coordinate care for medical problems; transport juveniles for medical appointment and/or emergencies. 
• Prepares and serves meals; completes inventory of supplies and food; launders juvenile detention clothing, bedding and towels. 
• Maintain and record information in daily logs regarding incidents and events.
• Assist in basic building and grounds maintenance.
• Maintains knowledge of current local, state, and federal programs available to youth and families; maintains current knowledge of NRS Chapter 62B.
• Complies with Elko County Policies and Department policies and procedures.
• Communicates tactfully and skillfully with parents, probation officers, law enforcement officers, and other appropriate persons. 

• High school diploma or equivalent AND
• No previous experience required. Prior juvenile correctional experience, youth coaching/mentoring experience, military or law enforcement experience: Preferred 
• Must maintain a valid Nevada driver's license
• Food handler safety training card
• CPR first aid certified Preferred
• Must maintain any required approvals and designations as required

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, abilities upon application:

Knowledge

• Coaching methods and techniques.
• General understanding of functions and general practices of law enforcement agencies, and of the courts.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, including mandatory reporting laws as they relate to child abuse and neglect.
• Community programs, resources, and services available for assistance to youths and families. 
• First-aid and CPR practices and techniques.

Skills 

• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Observing details accurately and recognizing suspicious behavior.
• Remaining alert in a confined space for an extended period.
• Understanding, interpreting, and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Using the tools and equipment listed below.

Abilities

• Build rapport with juveniles, listen, and respond with empathy.
• Work effectively with juveniles and their families. 
• Maintain confidentiality where appropriate and dictated by statute (NRS 62H).
• Observe details accurately and recognize suspicious behavior.  
• Calmly respond to and make decisions under stress of emergency and confrontation.
• Keep appropriate written records of observations and actions taken, and prepare routine reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Interpret and apply Juvenile Detention Center policies and procedures, and to explain them to others.
• Perform basic custodial functions.
• Establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Diffuse or control volatile or potentially volatile situations, including restrain violent or assaultive juveniles when appropriate.
• Administer first-aid or CPR when necessary.
• Identify and report potential child abuse and neglect to the appropriate agency. 

An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:

• Work is performed in a detention center setting. 
• Strength, stamina, and endurance to adjust to changes in shift assignments and to work beyond a twelve-hour shift.
• Strength and stamina to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Strength, stamina, coordination, and balance to stand and walk for long periods, and to bend, reach, and conduct inspections.
• Strength, stamina, and coordination to physically restrain uncooperative and violent individuals.
• Strength to move the weight of an inert or resisting human body. 
• Stamina to maintain physical exertion under stress.
• Strength to move the weight of an inert or resisting human body, and to carry equipment and supplies that occasionally involve lifting or moving more than 100 pounds
• Stamina to be able to maintain physical exertion under stress. Must have the ability to obtain defensive tactics certification.
• The employee will be exposed to individuals with communicable illness.  
• Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, sit, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to discern details in low light.
• Specific hearing abilities required by this job include identifying tone signals and perceiving conversation and activities through obstacles.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• Tools and equipment used include electric doors, cameras, intercoms, and two-way radios.

Elko County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

In compliance with applicable laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.

 

Salary : $24 - $35