Detention Services Specialist

Allen County Indiana•Fort Wayne, IN

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Shift Leader, the Detention Services Specialist is responsible for supervising high-risk juveniles, conducting intake and orientation processes, administering mental health and drug assessments, and maintaining safety within a maximum-security juvenile detention facility. This role combines therapeutic intervention with operational and security responsibilities. This position is covered under the Superior Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field
Minimum of one year of experience in the criminal justice field
Valid driver’s license to transport residents or operate facility vehicles
Demonstrated ability to apply therapeutic interventions, including behavioral management and cognitive-behavioral techniques
Proficiency in conducting mental health assessments (e.g., Maysi2) and interpreting results
Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective reporting, documentation, and team collaboration
Proficient in using facility management software, such as Microsoft Office, Quest Case Management, and security systems
Knowledge of juvenile laws, detention protocols, and facility safety standards
Skilled in operating and maintaining security equipment, including handcuffs, restraint chairs, AEDs, and handheld radios
CPR, First Aid, AED, and Handle with Care certifications for physical restraint techniques and emergency response
Certification in the use of drug testing equipment
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting 40-60 pounds, bending, kneeling, and climbing
Capable of handling emergency situations such as conflicts, escape attempts, and medical crises
Must perform continuous standing, walking, and monitoring activities in a maximum-security environment
Cross-trained to fulfill additional roles, such as dispatch coordination and therapeutic programming
Maintains strict confidentiality of detainee records and sensitive information

Responsibilities

Conducts intake processes, including pat-down searches, drug testing, assigning rooms, and issuing facility clothing and hygiene items.
Administers mental health assessments (Maysi2), reviews results, and determines appropriate detention classifications.
Provides orientation for new detainees, outlining behavior expectations, group living guidelines, grooming standards, and daily routines.
Supervises juveniles’ daily routines, including recreation, meals, phone privileges, and educational activities.
Performs routine safety checks, conducts searches of cells, common areas, and detainees, and ensures compliance with facility rules.
Monitors and manages detainees’ behavior, documents incidents, applies corrective actions, and supports behavioral rehabilitation through cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Responds to emergencies, including conflicts, medical situations, escape attempts, and self-harm incidents, utilizing de-escalation techniques, physical restraint, and Handle with Care protocols.
Communicates effectively with staff, supervisors, and external stakeholders through detailed reports, work logs, and case management systems.
Completes and maintains accurate documentation, including incident and disciplinary reports, confidential juvenile files, and mental health assessment results.
Issues and monitors detainees’ meals, clothing, bedding, and personal items to ensure proper care and facility standards.
Facilitates detainees’ participation in structured programming, including life skills training, group counseling, and therapeutic activities.
Oversees and participates in facility housekeeping tasks, ensuring cleanliness and safety in common areas and secure cells.
Cross-trains in areas such as central dispatch coordination, transportation duties, and backup responsibilities for other facility operations.
Participates in staff training and development programs, including CPR/First Aid/AED, suicide prevention, and behavioral management.
Inspects and maintains facility equipment, ensuring security systems, restraint devices, and monitoring tools are operational and used appropriately.