Juvenile Detention Officer (JDO)

Interest in rehabilitative services for youth? Passion to help kids break their cycle in the criminal justice system?

Help our community by providing services to our detained youth.

Job Summary

Responsible for the safety and well-being of juveniles referred to the Juvenile Court Detention Center by monitoring and maintaining a structured, safe, caring, healthy, and learning environment for juveniles. Watch the video to learn more about this position.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The Superior Court in Pinal County values your experience. We review every candidate for a salary offer that is both equitable and applicable to the position range. The salary in this posting represents the entire grade range. Based upon your direct experience and background, a salary offer will likely be presented to you within our starting minimum to midpoint of range.

WHY US?

Pinal County and the Superior Court offer amazing benefits. Who knew there was a workplace that wants to see your wellbeing by providing you with a Sabbatical starting at 5 years of service? Plus paid vacation, sick, and holidays? And benefit plans that include things like hospital coverage, pharmacy, medical, vision, dental... and more! We strive to work hard and reward hard work with our perks and balance. Benefits | Pinal County, AZ

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

Typical Classification Essential Duties

• Implements and delivers programs to juveniles, supporting detention philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Provides effective role modeling and mentoring to juveniles in the facility.
• Observes the behaviors of juveniles and situations that occur, recalls facts and prepares written reports.
• Monitors the detention facility to ensure a safe environment for both the juveniles and staff.
• Observes and ensures security of the facility in accordance with applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center; determines rule infractions, takes appropriate action, and reports violations and/or incidents.
• Prepares incident reports, updates logs for daily activities, documents and/or reports pertinent incidents to supervision.
• Processes new arrivals into detention facility.
• Escorts juveniles to and from Superior Court courtrooms and throughout the facility, restrained or unrestrained; maintains appropriate level of safety and security during juvenile movement.
• Drives a court vehicle to transport juveniles, as required.
• Reacts to physical confrontations and emergency situations quickly and effectively using sanctioned techniques; takes appropriate actions to effectively de-escalate situations and applies mechanical restraints as necessary.
• Performs physical searches such as pat-downs and strip searches in accordance with statutory requirements.
• May testify at hearing or in court.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Disclosure of criminal history, illegal drug use, references, and history through pre-employment background processes.
• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.
  
  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

• CPR and Food handlers' certifications required within 90 days of hire.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the purpose of juvenile detention, court and justice system environments.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center.
• Knowledge of report preparation and record keeping as they pertain to court system.
• Knowledge of adolescent behavior and supervision methods for juveniles.
• Knowledge of security considerations and measures.
• Ability to follow instructions, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in court related matters.
• Ability to observe behaviors and quickly analyze situations, detect problems and recall facts, respond to emergencies or stressful situation calmly, quickly, and decisively.
• Ability to use a personal computer, electronic networks and other information and communications technologies.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports to management.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend, and sit for prolonged periods of time and/or drive a vehicle. Will be required to stand and walk for at least half of their scheduled work shift Manual dexterity to reach, and grasp; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard; vision sufficient to see and read; hear and speak to communicate with customers in person and over the phone; lifting up to 50 pounds, unloading, pushing and carrying small files/objects to and from various locations throughout the County.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed inside the confinement of a correctional facility and/or office setting. Will be required to drive throughout the state. Will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and some overtime, as scheduled. Subject to immediate call out when an emergency occurs.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications.

Working for the Judicial Branch in a safety-sensitive position, you are required to submit to pre-employment examinations that may include but is not limited to: criminal history with fingerprints and driving history, background interview, drug screening, psychological examination, and reference checks.

Every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States is welcome to apply.

However, Pinal County cannot currently offer visa sponsorship or STEM OPT.

We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities.