Juvenile Corrections Officer

Essential Duties:

Provides direct supervision and interaction with juvenile detainees by: verbally resolving conflict between juveniles, identifying and observing group agitators and gang members. Identifies juvenile groups and gangs to anticipate potential problems. Recognizes behavioral characteristics of a violent offender. Identifies unrest among juveniles. Monitors / logs behavior of juveniles in disciplinary segregation. Uses physical force or manual /chemical restraints on juveniles when required. Monitors/observes incoming juveniles to identify mental / physical condition and requests examination by medical personnel. Monitors / verifies that prescription medication is taken. Observes juveniles to recognize symptoms of drug use / withdrawal and to determine who may be suffering from mental or emotional disorders to maintain facility and personal security.

Provides facility security by: inspecting vehicles / containers entering or leaving the facility. Inspects identification of persons entering / exiting the facility. Verifies the identity of officer and juvenile detainee exiting / entering the facility. Controls entry into the detention area by video and computer monitoring of exits. Physically patrols tiers, cell areas, corridors and other secured areas inside and outside of the facility to ensure building security during non-business hours and to observe juvenile behavior. Maintains key security. Provides limited court room security for in custody children cases. Escorts and provides security for juveniles outside of the facility either by motor vehicle or foot. Performs pat-search and strip searches on juveniles. Searches clothing / property left for juveniles. Conducts periodic searches of juvenile cells to discover and seize contraband, weapons and processes seized contraband. Takes action to stop / report escapes and security breaches. Conducts head / facility count. Responds to emergency situation according to well established procedures; participates in facility lockdown. Reports unusual or irregular incidents to supervisor.

Utilizes problems solving skills by: investigating and documenting injuries and behavioral patterns of juveniles. Determines when a juvenile crisis or problem should be referred to facility staff. Controls personal feelings against juvenile(s) to encourage proper supervision and to avoid provoked confrontations. Recognizes juvenile efforts to manipulate corrections officers. Counsels juveniles to help resolve problems. Prepares and submits all written documentation and reports concerning juvenile population, events and detention facility functions in accordance to procedure.

Performs general duties such as: inspecting detention facilities for cleanliness, assures sanitary facilities are well maintained in accordance to procedures. Supervises juveniles at school, crafts, exercise, recreation, chores, visitation and telephone calls. Performs general laundry and supervises clean up.

Education & Experience:

Associate degree or two-year technical certificate: Type of degree/certificate: Paralegal Studies, Business Fundamentals or Management AND 3 years of progressively responsible legal or court experience, and experience analyzing and creating reports with statistical data or the equivalent education and experience to perform the essential duties of the job.

Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Must Be at least 21 years of age;

• Valid WA State Driver’s license at time of employment.

• Be determined suitable for the position based on the results of a background security check, fingerprinting, physical ability test, polygraph examination and disclosure pursuant to RCW 43.43.830 and 43.43.834.

• Tuberculosis testing and Washington State Food Handler’s Permit required at time of employment. Washington State Basic First Aid training course with CPR required within 2 months of employment.

• Must be able to work various shifts in a 24 hour locked down facility, including weekends and holidays

• Any combination of work experience, volunteer work, education or family rearing which demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job.

Preferred:

• Ability to converse in Spanish as spoken in the geographical area is preferred, but not required.

• Experience working in Detention or Corrections, or Education in related field is preferred, but not required.

Equipment Used:

Telephone, Copy machine, Calculator, Radios, Intercom, Main Control Panel, Handcuffs, OC Spray, respirator, Fax Machine, Voice Mail, Computer, Automobile.

Working Conditions: This position is rated as Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects or work out in the field.

Environment: excessive noise, exposure to weather, pathogen exposure, travel, and may be exposed to hostile/angry individuals, work in locked down facility(s).

Physical Demands: bending, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, carrying, handling, kneeling, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, reclining, sitting, smelling, standing, walking, fingering, hearing, crouching, talking, and visual acuity.

Intellectual Demands: ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate information in conversations, ability to follow written instruction, and ability to follow verbal instruction.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of group dynamics; youth safety procedures; security and proper use of physical force; discipline techniques; legal rights of youth; child development; cleaning products and equipment to maintain a clean and odorless facility with basic health and safety precautions.

Skills (and abilities):

Ability to work and communicate with individuals and groups of youths; cope with emergency situations in an institutional setting; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work with public, staff and youth in situations of high stress; observe and record the behavior of detained juveniles; ability to read, write and converse fluently in English is required.