Juvenile Detention Officer Entry - Juvenile Probation (Prescott)

Yavapai County Government•Prescott, AZ

12d

About The Position

Under close supervision, performs routine security work supervising, caring for, and supporting the welfare of juveniles in a detention center or community setting. The position includes maintaining facility and personal safety, monitoring detainees, providing mentorship, responding to emergencies, processing bookings and releases, maintaining records, testifying in court as needed, operating a control room, transporting juveniles, and conducting searches. After successfully completing the Juvenile Detention Officer Academy, a one-year probationary period, and a proficiency test, the employee will be eligible for promotion to Juvenile Detention Officer Journey. The role requires completion of detention officer certification, defensive tactics or similar restraint training, and an internal intensive training program within specified periods after hire. Applicants must meet the stated citizenship or residency and age requirements and pass the required background and screening checks. Work takes place in office and field environments year-round and involves public contact, including challenging situations, exposure to various environmental hazards, rotating shifts, and physical activities associated with supervision and restraint procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
No experience required.
Possess integrity, honesty, dependability, accuracy, initiative, good judgment, and courtesy.
Possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.
Complete detention officer certification within one year of hire.
Complete defensive tactics and/or similar restraint training within one year of hire.
Complete an internal intensive training program within three months of hire.
Be a U.S. citizen or have legal resident status.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Successfully pass an extensive background investigation, fingerprinting, criminal history check, psychological examination, urinalysis screening for illicit drugs, and driving records check through the Motor Vehicles Division.
May be required to pass a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, physical examination, and/or credit check.
Knowledge of juvenile probation services, human behavior, the criminal justice system and community resources, search, transportation and restraint procedures, counseling and interviewing techniques, mentorship and character development, court proceedings, business English, clerical office practices, research and report writing, Microsoft Office software, filing, and recordkeeping.
Skill in verbal and written communication, establishing effective working relationships, organization and attention to detail, de-escalation, and developing rapport with detainees.
Ability to observe or monitor objects, data, and behavior for compliance with operating or safety standards.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, nights, and graveyard shifts.
Ability to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees; maintain effective working relationships; keep management informed of key operating issues; stay current in required knowledge; handle confidential matters discreetly; and work professionally with co-workers, clients, victims, witnesses, and the public.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in verbal de-escalation, physical restraints, and defensive techniques and to act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
Ability to stand for extended periods, read printed materials and computer screens, communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and by radio, and perform frequent repetitive arm, finger, and wrist movements.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
Physical ability to raise arms forcefully above the head, perform minor aerobic activity, stand for up to two hours at a time, engage in balanced movements, extend arms forcefully, bend and fully extend legs, and sustain long periods of bending at the waist and kneeling for application or use of mechanical and physical restraint devices.

Responsibilities

Observe, control, and supervise juvenile detainees’ activities.
Maintain the safety and physical security of the facility, personnel, and juvenile detainees.
Provide mentorship and develop the character and maturity of detained juveniles.
Respond quickly, calmly, and decisively to emergencies or stressful situations.
Process juvenile detainee bookings and releases and maintain detention records.
Maintain records and reports.
Testify in court as needed.
Operate a control room using visual observation, radios, and various software.
Operate a motor vehicle and transport juveniles to court and other court-ordered activities.
Search detained juveniles and their living quarters.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.