Control Booth Operator

Cameron County•San Benito, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Control Booth Operator maintains facility security, resident accountability, operational records, and communication in a juvenile detention facility. The role monitors security and fire alarm systems and closed-circuit monitors, controls access through secured doors, coordinates resident movement, and communicates with facility staff and outside agencies. The operator follows facility schedules and policies, completes required logs and paperwork, and attends staff meetings and training. Duties may include other assignments or reassignment as directed by facility leadership. Employment is contingent on the availability of federal, state, local, and/or grant funding. This is an at-will, non-Civil Service position. The position requires a rotating schedule that may include weekends, holidays, and double shifts of 16 or more hours. Emergency transports or training may involve additional hours, moderate travel, and overnight stays. The facility is tobacco-free, prohibits personal electronic devices, smart watches, and cell phones, and may have high noise levels. A county uniform is provided; employees must purchase all-black tennis shoes or boots and follow appearance and jewelry guidelines.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify if they provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the work.
Must be over 21 years of age for state certification requirements.
Current Texas Driver’s License and current automobile insurance.
Ability to read, write, and understand English and communicate effectively in English.
Submit to a pre-employment drug urinalysis and pass criminal background checks, including a Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) background check; any criminal record must be cleared in accordance with Texas Juvenile Justice Department requirements.
Knowledge of standard practices in the assigned area, appropriate relationships and social adjustment, and safety and security techniques and standards.
Organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate by email and other electronic means as needed.
Ability to monitor and respond to resident behavior; solve problems and make decisions; and use basic computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other software.
Ability to work a rotating schedule, including weekends and holidays and potentially double shifts of 16 or more hours.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, reason and make judgments, manage time and multitask, and perform courteously and professionally in a stressful environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish effective working relationships with departmental clientele, outside agencies, county employees and officials, juvenile justice representatives, and the public.
Ability to lift and carry 50–100 pounds and meet the stated physical demands, including standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting.
Visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and basic office equipment.
Must comply with facility restrictions on tobacco, electronic devices, and social media while on duty and follow uniform and appearance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain the facility’s main-entry electronic log in the Guardian On Demand System, recording significant events, resident status, assigned staff, facility entry and exit, and information about staff, visitors, interns, contractors, and volunteers.
Maintain accountability of residents and equipment and help ensure the environment is safe, clean, and secure.
Conduct hourly resident headcounts using the Guardian On Demand System.
Answer facility phone calls professionally and courteously.
Control facility security, keep magnetic and locked doors secured, and grant access only to recognized staff or chain-of-command personnel; ensure others are escorted.
Use knowledge of the facility program schedule to coordinate resident movements and needs.
Coordinate with support and service agencies, including medical services, fire safety services, and local law enforcement agencies.
Monitor security and fire alarm systems, including closed-circuit monitors.
Communicate with other staff to support continuity of care.
Check schedules for changes and advise staff of relevant information.
Maintain handwritten logs, including visitation, residents released and detained, transports, equipment issued, grievances, medical isolation, and resident observation logs.
Comply with professional conduct, ethical behavior, PREA, TJJD, ANE, CCJJD, Cameron County, personnel, and applicable legal requirements; cooperate with ANE investigations and follow zero-tolerance standards for sexual abuse and harassment.
Attend staff meetings and training as required.
Follow the assigned monthly schedule unless proper arrangements are made through a Shift Supervisor or Detention Administrator.
Perform shift-specific duties and other duties or assignments as directed by facility leadership, the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, or designee.
Complete written documentation clearly, accurately, and impartially, and properly file control paperwork before leaving the shift.
Maintain resident and facility confidentiality and establish effective working relationships with staff, clients, outside agencies, county employees and officials, juvenile justice representatives, and the public.