0000009474.JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER I.MEDLOCK

Dallas County • Hutchins, TX

14d • $22 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Detention Officer I is an entry-level position providing direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility. The officer supports youths’ health, safety, and welfare in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and applicable standards. The role includes counseling, enforcing facility rules, responding to crises, assisting with facility operations, and organizing daily educational and recreational activities.

The position involves working with juveniles who may have committed dangerous or aggressive acts and requires a high tolerance for emotionally demanding and stressful situations. Employees may be reassigned to another department, shift, location, or facility based on departmental needs. Because the facility operates 24 hours a day, employees may be required to work mandatory overtime or an additional shift, and may be held over or called back as essential personnel.

The officer works inside a secured facility and may be exposed to hepatitis, tuberculosis, lice, and other diseases. The role requires the ability to restrain or chase youths and may require using a vehicle to transport them.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments, and the general public.
• Obtain First Aid/CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Obtain certification required by applicable standards for the assigned facility or department within six months of employment.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Pass an extensive background investigation.
• Complete mandatory drug testing before employment and be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.
• Be able to perform handling-with-care techniques, including takedowns, chasing, and restraining youth, as required by Texas Juvenile Justice Department requirements.
• Be able to work with juveniles who may have committed dangerous or aggressive acts in an emotionally demanding and stressful work environment.
• Be able to work changing shifts and, when required, mandatory overtime or an additional shift; the position may also require being held over or called back.
• Be at least 21 years of age for applicable positions.
• Pass all portions (physical and written) of the Juvenile Academy to continue employment, or meet all standards related to PREA and Ethics for specific positions.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility, ensuring their health, safety, and welfare in compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Provide individual and group counseling to promote youths’ personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives.
• Make sound judgments and decisions during crises or potentially dangerous situations when a supervisor is absent; inform the supervisor of problems, situations encountered, and actions taken; and document actions.
• Enforce facility rules, discipline youths, document behavior and other specific information, and forward documentation to appropriate personnel.
• Provide back-up to staff and perform duties as needed, including administering medications, transporting youths to appointments, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths.
• Conduct inspections, rounds, and drills, including room checks and physical searches of youths.
• Transport youths to and from appointments.
• Coordinate and provide daily educational and entertaining programs and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED