Juvenile Detention Supervisor

Serves as Supervisor for the Juvenile Detention Center, responsible for monitoring and supervising behavior and activities of assigned juvenile residents, managing specific areas of facility operation, and monitors and facilitates the job performance of all levels of Juvenile Detention Officers.

DUTIES:

Provides direct supervision to Detention Officer and shift support staff members.

Supervises daily operations of the facility, including areas of direct child care, case management, and educational and recreational programs while maintaining a safe environment.

Identifies and monitors daily assignments for staff, ensuring professional behavior.

Assists Administration in supervising and directing assigned personnel, including interviewing, hiring recommendations, planning and making work assignments, providing training and corrective instruction, and evaluating performance.

Supervises detained juveniles as needed. Formulates supervision plans with specific goals and objectives to meet the individual needs of the juvenile. Monitors compliance with the plan. Enforces rules and administers consequences. Assesses whether juveniles need to be placed on alert for detrimental behavior. Provides for physical and psychological well-being of the juveniles.

Collaborates with facility administration in developing, implementing, evaluating various programs, policies, and procedures.

Maintains communication with following shift, providing necessary and pertinent information.

Assists with developing and coordinating resident treatment plans, including monitoring attendance and response to recreational and educational activities, evaluating behavior, reporting problems, and implementing corrective action or treatment as appropriate.

Reviews reports from staff ensuring completeness and accuracy.

Aids Administration in establishing practices, monitoring performance, maintaining contacts with related community resources, disseminating information, and training staff.

Ensures intake, admission, transfer, and release procedures are followed. Reviews for completeness and accuracy.

Ensures all shift functions are done prior to end of shift, including completion of any necessary incident reports.

Attends and/or conducts staff and/or shift meetings as directed.

Ensures security of various facility areas as assigned, including conducting security checks and room searches, monitoring electronic door locks and security communication devices, and monitoring resident’s actions/activities.

Supervises room searches, cell extractions, and facility tours.

Inspects and assists in maintaining cleanliness of Center facilities. Regularly inspects residential units, identifying problems/concerns, and taking corrective action as required. Consults with Detention Manager regarding and concerns.

Assists in maintaining detailed records and preparing narrative and statistical reports as required, including residents’ appointment schedules, case notes, incident and injury reports, daily behavior, and records/reports assigned areas of responsibility.

Ensures key control and other security measures are being adhered to.

Attends staff meetings and workshop/training seminars as requested or required by facility and/or state rules and regulations.

Reports staff and juvenile complaints to Detention Manager.

May perform duties of Detention Manager in his/her absence.

Responsible for receipt of prescribed medication ensuring proper documentation and responsible for dispensing prescribed medication in the absence of medical personnel.

Serves on 24-hour call for emergencies, which includes being available telephonically and being available to physically report to the Center as directed.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Special Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in related field such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology required. Employment consideration will be made on candidates who have accumulated at least 50 percent of their credits towards their degree or is currently enrolled and has military experience. As a condition of employment, the candidate shall remain in school with a minimum of 8 credits per semester. Verification shall be made to Administration of continued education status. Must be at least twenty-one years of age and a resident of Porter County. Four years experience in direct supervision of residents in a juvenile detention environment, including at least two years experience supervising employees preferred. Ability to obtain/maintain certification in first-aid and CPR, and formal training in crisis intervention, safety and security procedures. Ability to train others in daily operational procedures of the Juvenile Detention Center. Working knowledge of adolescent development, motivational theory, and learning process. Understanding of juvenile justice system policies and procedures, with the ability to ensure a safe, secure environment for detained juveniles. Ability to effectively supervise, direct, monitor and appropriately interact with juvenile residents. Ability to enforce facility behavioral management systems, de-escalate volatile situations by means of conversation/negotiation, utilize physical management and restraint techniques, resolve conflicts, and take authoritative action as situations demand. Ability to supervise daily operation of the facility, including areas such as direct child care, case management, and educational and recreational programs. Ability to assist in supervising and directing assigned personnel, including interviewing, hiring, planning and making work assignments, providing training and corrective instruction, and evaluating performance. Ability to effectively communicate, cooperate in a team environment, set and attain goals, make decisions and exercise independent judgment according to established guidelines, being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities. Ability to effectively communicate written and oral instructions with others in a team environment with minimum supervision. Ability to maintain detailed records, prepare related reports and documents, and maintain confidentiality of facility reports and information as required. Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position, including lifting/carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds, crouching/kneeling, bending, reaching, close vision, hearing, handling/grasping objects, climbing ladders, working in high places and confined places, and working with hazardous chemicals. Ability to type with speed and accuracy and operate a variety of office equipment including computer, copier, calculator, fax machine, audio and video equipment, and telephone system. Ability to operate a variety of safety and security equipment including, security automation system control panel, CCTV system control panel, fire alarm system valve controls, temporary mechanical restraints, EPI-PEN, two way radios, portable fire extinguishers, and vehicle. Working knowledge of and ability to monitor effective operation of various facility systems, including heat and cooling systems, plumbing and domestic water heaters, electrical system and emergency power supply systems, sprinkler system, fire alarm system, and kitchen equipment. Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and to complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions. Ability to occasionally work extended, evening and/or weekend hours and occasionally travel out of town, sometimes overnight. Ability to serve on 24-hour call and respond swiftly, rationally and decisively to emergencies. Possession of valid Indiana driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record. Ability to submit to and pass a criminal background check, Indiana sex offender registry check, national sex offender registry check, and Department of Child Services check.

Miscellaneous Information

Deadline for accepting applications is November 18, 2025. Please send completed applications and resumes to Director Alison Cox at alison.cox@portercountyin.gov.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: From $55,829.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Corrections: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,829