Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. • Phoenix, AZ

2d • $28 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer plays a critical role in the Maricopa County Juvenile Court and Probation Department. This position ensures the appropriate and lawful taking of physical custody of minors from both law enforcement and others for possible admission to the secure detention center and conducts similar decision making regarding custodial release. This team of individuals are the primary support for around the clock (24/7), on-site delivery of public safety information and decisions, exercising sound judgement in making custody detainment decisions and allowing release without a court appearance. Day, evening, and night shift work is required on a regular and rotating basis and includes working holidays and weekends. About The Juvenile Probation Department: The Juvenile Probation Department of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient juvenile justice services grounded in evidenced-based practices and research. These services improve the safety of our community, hold youth accountable through a developmentally appropriate orientation, and ensure the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. Join our Juvenile Probation Department in its mission to promote public safety through positive change as we connect youth to the community and provide opportunities that are delivered with fairness, dignity and respect.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or the completion of 60 semester credit hours from an academically accredited college or university, and
• Three (3) years of experience in probation, juvenile detention, correctional, adolescent behavioral setting, or a similar setting.
• An equivalent combination of post-secondary education and job-related experience in probation, juvenile detention, correctional, or an adolescent behavioral setting may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by time of hire
• Candidates will be required to successfully complete a background/reference check, polygraph, and pre-employment psychological evaluation prior to hire
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License at the time of hire.
• Positions in Detention are subject to Tuberculosis (TB) testing.
• All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of new employee processing and a negative TB result prior to the start date.
• Successfully complete Detention Academy including physical restraint training (Handlle With Care).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree
• Juvenile detention experience
• Familiarity with Arizona laws and rules applicable to juveniles
• Knowledge of: The principles of positive youth development and engagement
• The methods of effective writing and communication
• Applicable laws and regulations such as Arizona State Detention Standards and PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)
• Skill in: Reading and interpreting documents such as police reports, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Effective, thorough, and accurate documentation
• Making and guiding procedural decisions on sensitive and confidential issues
• Maintaining confidential information
• Effective problem resolution
• Effective verbal and written communication, including preparation of reports and sensitive documents
• Organization and time management
• Assessing crisis situations, diffusing emotional conditions and offering solutions and resources
• Ability to: Exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, and independently problem-solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.
• Use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situations, and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
• Utilize computer and appropriate programs (Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Techcare, Juvenile Case Management System, iCIS, etc.) to accurately complete work.
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships.
• Coordinate and prioritize work activities.
• Effectively communicate with the leadership team, families, and stakeholders
• Remain in control of emotions and remain calm during stressful situations.
• Apply principles and methods of correctional supervision and casework
• Follow department policies, procedures, and protocols
• Demonstrate a positive, open, and objective attitude towards others
• Demonstrate flexibility by readily modifying, responding to, and integrating change with minimal personal resistance
• Engage others in a constructive two-way conversation, to demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy, empathy, and tolerance
• Appropriately engage in, establish, and maintain relationships with diverse populations of co-workers and detained youth

Responsibilities

• Facilitates the screening, admittance, release, and detention hearing processes of juveniles referred to and admitted into the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center.
• Gathers and utilizes the necessary referral history, court record information, police reports, caregiver information, and other relevant information to administer assessment tool(s)
• Exercises discretion in establishing necessary jurisdiction and authority to assume physical custody and makes detainment or release decisions.
• Completes necessary physical and mental health screening instruments via interview and self-reporting mechanisms to ensure appropriateness for further intake or re-directs appropriate parties to attain external medical clearance as necessary.
• Conducts inquiry and interview with caregiver(s), relatives, or other necessary parties to inform decision-making and potential release alternatives.
• Monitors and responds to well-being needs of youth taken into physical custody, including sight and sound supervision for safety and suicide prevention
• Provides information to other agencies including law enforcement regarding youth in facility care with an adherence to applicable confidentiality laws and rules.
• Screens and coordinates custody and release decisions with appropriate County or State agencies for youth whom parental custodial rights have been permanently or temporarily removed.
• Researches and evaluates multiple release options involving complex custodial matters, both at initial intake, and upon release after court-ordered detention period.
• Assesses vulnerability and safety of the youth related to initial facility housing.
• Completes timely, accurate, and reasoned reports for the Court, Judicial Officers and other parties to ensure sound decision making and efficient processes.
• Accurately completes forms and performs data entry to ensure legally required hearings are conducted to ensure due process.
• Collects and secures personal items of youth consistent with protocols.
• Collects fingerprints and DNA as required.
• Updates photographs for all admitted youth.
• Maintains safety of youth in holding cells including effective use of verbal de-escalation, approved physical controls (Handle With Care), and pro-social behavior management interventions.
• Routinely and clearly exchanges necessary information during shift transitions to ensure appropriate communication.
• Adheres to relevant and applicable policies, procedures, judicial codes and rules, and State and Federal laws.
• May be required or assigned to perform other duties, as needed, including providing direct sight and sound supervision of youth within the facility and/or transportation of youth.

Benefits

• We offer generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays!
• We have affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, and our employees are entitled to coverage by one of several State-sponsored retirement pension plans, our employee assistance program, and wellness incentives.
• Additionally, our employees have the option of life insurance, disability, a group legal plan, and pet insurance.
• Under the current guidelines for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, the Maricopa County Superior Court is a qualifying employer. Therefore, any full time Judicial Branch employee, who meets other eligibility criteria may be eligible for loan forgiveness under this program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree