What are the responsibilities and job description for the Juvenile Detention Staff position at OKCYC?
Juvenile Detention Staff
OKCYC provides residential services for youth in DHS and OJA custody. Our Juvenile Detention Staff are responsible for the care, welfare, safety, security, and control of residents inside the facility and during transports. It is a structured environment with clear post orders, defined protocols, and supervisors who are present on shift.
If you've worked in corrections, detention, law enforcement, probation, court services, or the military — or you're finishing a criminal justice degree — you already understand supervision, documentation, de-escalation, and operating under protocol when the situation isn't calm. OKCYC needs those skills. What we do with them is redirect a young person's trajectory before the adult system does it for us.
What the job actually looks like
- Direct supervision of residents
- Documented security and welfare checks on schedule
- Intake processing: searches, property control, issuance of clothing and hygiene items, unit assignment
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation with escalated youth using approved techniques
- Facility security: perimeter, doors, windows, controlled movement, contraband control
- Visitation control — verifying authorization, documentation, post-visit searches
- Incident documentation, behavior tracking, and daily progress notes
- Medication administration, first aid, and daily living support
- Transport and off-site movement of residents
- Structured programming, recreation supervision, and school release coordination
What we're looking for
- 21 or older (OKDHS licensing requirement)
- High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's in criminal justice, social services, or a related field preferred
- Corrections, detention, juvenile justice, law enforcement, military, youth care, behavioral health, or special education experience preferred
- Strong communication and crisis intervention skills
- Sound judgment under pressure and the discipline to follow protocol exactly
- Familiarity with HIPAA, behavior management, and trauma-informed care is a plus — not required
Physical requirements
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
- Safely lift and carry up to 25 pounds independently; over that with assistance
- Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed to support daily activities and ensure resident safety
Paid Training and Certification
You do not need to arrive certified. We train you. These are portable credentials that stay with you.
Why people from criminal justice stay here
- CARF Gold Seal accredited, operating under state contract — real oversight and real standards
- Health, dental, vision, life, and 401(k) available to all full-time employees
- Advancement paths into leadership positions
- You can see the change because you make the difference.
Pay is determined by education and experience relevant to the position.
OKCYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $15.00 - $23.46 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $23