Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant

Travis County•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) is seeking positive, assertive, reliable, and confident individuals to serve as role models for youth staying in our short-term Juvenile Detention facility. Juvenile Detention Officers provide for the day-to-day direct supervision of youth detained in a 24-hour pre-adjudication detention program. Officers maintain the safety and security of detained youth, ensure the health and welfare of each juvenile, counsel clients on an individual basis, and facilitate cognitive skills groups to assist juveniles in developing appropriate coping skills and prosocial behaviors. Juvenile Detention Officers implement appropriate programs for clients and document client behavior in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable standards. The ideal candidate for this position will have a unique opportunity to serve, protect and have a positive impact on the lives of youth from various backgrounds and communities. Detention Services’ mission is to provide competency development, accountability, welfare, and community protection. The Detention Services Program provides for the detention of male and female juveniles who are awaiting disposition of their cases by the court Services are provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in a secure pre-adjudication facility. Services offered include classroom instruction by Austin Independent School District teachers, Counseling Services and recreational activities. This position requires that you be available to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. You are required to work any of the following shifts: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. upon hire, and the Department may reassign you to a different shift when a business need arises in order to meet operational needs. We encourage qualified candidates to apply. We also have part time Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant positions available. Part time Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant positions supplement the full time Juvenile Detention Officers and depending on business need may work additional hours. When all job qualifications are met, Juvenile Detention Officer Assistants may be considered for promotion to a regular, full-time Juvenile Detention Officer position. This is the first in a series of four juvenile detention-related job classifications within the Courts job family. This classification assists in providing direct supervision to clients who have been placed in the juvenile detention facility by the court system. This classification performs duties of a routine type and typically performs duties with a higher-level staff member available to assist or give direction. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Requirements

High School diploma or G.E.D.; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Certification as a Juvenile Detention Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques).
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of: Policies, practices, procedures and terminology related to court system.
Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
Standard practices in area of assignment.
Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
Standard counseling techniques.
Safety and security techniques and standards.
Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
First aid techniques.
Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
Skill in: Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
Problem-solving and decision-making.
Interviewing clients.
Both verbal and written communication.
Ability to: Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Reason and make judgments and decisions.
Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.
Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
Conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
Perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Criminal justice background or interest.
Enjoy working with youth populations.
Desire to make a difference today with juveniles in the system.
Looking for a part time opportunity to make some extra money, learn something new, grow as a person and professional and meet some amazing colleagues.

Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision of all client daily activities.
Maintains accountability of all clients and equipment and ensures that the environment is safe, clean and secure.
Ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior.
Conducts inspections, rounds and drills which includes room searches, pat searches, fire drills and emergency response readiness training.
Transports youths to and from appointments as needed.
Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertainment programs and activities.
Conducts cognitive skill groups and teamwork activities.
Models competency in direct care principles for less experienced staff.
Documents clients’ behavior and enters into department computer information system.
Assists in training other juvenile supervision officers.
Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling as required.
Ensures environment is safe and clean.
Maintains order and discipline.
Physically restrains aggressive juveniles using approved protocols and procedures.
Serves on committees and participates in special projects.
Maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care.
Assists in investigating incidents involving clients.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.