Juvenile Detention Officer

Island County•Coupeville Campus, WA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Detention Officer supervises and cares for juveniles detained at the Island County Detention Center, maintaining a safe and secure environment for detainees and staff. The employee works under minimal supervision, follows established guidelines and procedures, and documents daily activities and movements. Salary depends on qualifications and experience: JDO1 pays $28.84–$31.06 per hour, and JDO2 pays $31.47–$33.89 per hour. Applicants must pass the required background check, physical examination, polygraph examination, drug test, and psychological evaluation. Background checks include NCIC and are subject to annual review. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Island County does not provide visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must have lived experience, defined as previous involvement with the criminal legal system and/or current or previous receipt of behavioral health services; this must be identified during the application process.
Must have volunteer or employment experience working with youth.
Must hold a valid Washington State driver’s license or obtain one by the time of employment.
Must be free of convictions involving sexual motivation, illegal drugs or alcohol, use of a firearm, violence, or domestic violence.
Must pass a criminal background check, drug test, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation; background checks are conducted through NCIC and subject to annual review.
Must not have consumed cannabis during the six months before applying.
Must pass the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Physical Ability Test standard: 10 push-ups in 90 seconds, 12 sit-ups in 90 seconds, and 15 squat thrusts in three minutes.
Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including standing, walking, sitting, lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds, applying handcuffs and leg cuffs to juveniles, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and communicating through speech and hearing while maintaining visual security.
Must be able to learn new techniques quickly, adapt to rapidly changing events, remain calm in stressful situations, and interact professionally with varied personality styles.
Must communicate effectively to gather and provide information, maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, and work independently to meet deadlines while handling other tasks.
Must maintain accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in preparing reports and information.
Must be familiar with tools, instruments, equipment, and techniques commonly used in related work.

Nice To Haves

For JDO II, at least two years of professional experience working with youth.
For JDO II, ability to create and instruct life-skills lessons for youth.
For JDO II candidates hired as JDO I, successful completion of the probationary period.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake according to established procedures, including interviewing and booking juveniles, determining criteria for admission or release, and submitting recommendations to the detention supervisor.
Explain facility rules and regulations during intake.
Maintain visual supervision of youth in assigned residential units or functional areas, monitoring their location, health, and emotional state.
Operate electronic audio/video surveillance equipment and other life-support and security systems.
Contact parents or legal guardians regarding release on recognizance, and contact probation or parole counselors, attorneys, and law enforcement professionals when appropriate.
Provide crisis counseling and counsel juveniles regarding conduct, attitudes, and relationships.
Engage with youth through mentoring and instruction in life and social skills to support positive behavior change.
Assist with visitation procedures and process juvenile releases.
Prepare detailed incident reports and submit them to the supervisor daily.
Guide, direct, supervise, and train juveniles in indoor activities and games; lead and participate in athletic and recreational activities and, at times, arts and crafts sessions.
Monitor detainees’ behavior and attitudes closely.
Meet juveniles’ general health and physical needs and assist with daily personal grooming; personal needs must be met by an officer of the same sex.
Remain alert to and protect against escape, illness, sexual activity, and physical abuse.
Communicate daily with fellow Juvenile Detention Officers and/or intake officers.
Complete daily observation charts, checklists, room-check lists, and other required forms, and supervise cleanup details.
Use appropriate physical force and restraint techniques to subdue and restrain detainees and perform interventions as required; maintain proficiency in defensive tactics and physical agility.
Operate motor vehicles to escort and transport juvenile detainees to other facilities or institutions as required.