Juvenile Detention Officer

Maricopa County•Phoenix, AZ

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Detention Officer (JDO) operates under the belief that all youth and families have the capacity for change while striving to provide a safe and secure environment in an institutional setting. Successful Juvenile Detention Officers have integrity, use teamwork and critical thinking to teach skills and to encourage youth offenders towards positive change while promoting accountability, responsibility, and positive values. This position is designated as safety sensitive. A JDO is responsible for maintaining custody, control, and security of detained youth and for protecting the safety of the youth, staff, and the public. This position requires continuous situational awareness and the ability to respond immediately and appropriately to unpredictable and potentially dangerous circumstances. Day, evening, and night shift work is required on a regular and rotating basis, and you must be available to work holidays and weekends. Applicants will work five (5) eight-hour shifts and will be hired for the 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift or the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift, subject to staffing needs and availability. Assignments are at the Durango Detention Center located at 3131 W Durango, Phoenix, Arizona 85009. All Candidates will be required to complete a Candidate Assessment Day as part of the hiring process. The Assessment Day will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and consist of a tour of the detention facility and operations, screening assessments, and an interview. 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 evidence-based practices and research. These services improve the safety of our community, hold youth accountable through 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

High school diploma
At least 21 years of age at the time they complete the detention academy.
Successfully complete a background/reference check, polygraph, and pre-employment psychological evaluation prior to hire.
Successfully complete new employee processing and a negative TB result prior to the start date.
Ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of this safety-sensitive position, with or without reasonable accommodation including but not limited to the ability to: Receive, interpret, and respond appropriately to verbal communications, emergency alerts/alarms, radio transmissions, and other safety signals in a detention environment.
Ability to maintain continuous situational awareness by observing youth behavior, movement, and environmental conditions in order to detect security risks, medical distress, contraband or threats of harm.
Ability to accurately identify individuals, actions, and objects at varying distances and in different lighting conditions sufficient to ensure the safety and security of detained youth, staff, and the public.
Knowledge of effective time management and organization techniques.
Knowledge of principles of positive youth development and engagement.
Skill in critical analysis of individuals and situations to problem solve and make sound decisions.
Skill in seeing and paying attention to details.
Skill in demonstrating a rational and objective demeanor when faced with stressful or emotional situations, and acting objectively rather than impulsively or emotionally.
Skill in balancing and defusing tensions and stresses.
Ability to apply principles and methods of correctional casework.
Ability to follow department policies, procedures, and protocols.
Ability to demonstrate a positive, open, and objective attitude towards others.
Ability to demonstrate flexibility by readily modifying, responding to, and integrating change with minimal personal resistance.
Ability to engage others in a constructive two-way conversation, to demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy, empathy, and tolerance.
Ability to appropriately engage in, establish, and maintain relationships with diverse populations of co-workers and detained youth.
Ability to provide continuous visual and auditory supervision of youth, recognize behaviors or conditions that may present a risk of harm, and intervene or initiate response procedures as appropriate.
Ability to maintain ongoing situational awareness.
Ability to ensure safety by effectively recognizing and responding to various signals, such as verbal communication, emergency alerts/alarms, radio communications, and other safety signals.
Ability to perform duties that require close attention to detail, as well as the ability to identify and respond to potential safety concerns in a detention environment.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be willing to work any shifts as assigned that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must be able to perform the above essential functions in a manner that does not pose a direct threat, defined as a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the employee or others.
Must completely and fully answer any questions regarding felony and misdemeanor convictions including any convictions that have been expunged or set aside.

Nice To Haves

Prior comparable, directly related law enforcement or corrections experience may be considered for placement at a higher starting salary rate within the range.

Responsibilities

Maintaining custody, control, and security of detained youth and for protecting the safety of the youth, staff, and the public.
Maintaining constant observation of youth behavior, movement, and environmental conditions in order to detect security risks, medical distress, contraband, or threats of harm.
Receiving, interpreting, and appropriately responding to officer communications, emergency alerts, radio transmissions, and other safety signals in real time.
Responding rapidly and effectively to emergencies, including fights, medical incidents, self-harm attempts, disturbances, and evacuation situations.
Identifying individuals, actions, and objects accurately in varied lighting conditions and distances sufficient to maintain safety and security within a detention environment.
Providing clear verbal commands and written documentation during routine operations and crisis situations.
Coordinating responses with other staff in dynamic and potentially life-threatening situations.
Supervising all juveniles in a fair and respectful manner regardless of admission reason.
Maintaining order and safety through positive engagement, rapport building, and crisis de-escalation techniques.
Restoring and maintaining security, order, and schedules of activities; taking appropriate corrective and disciplinary actions.
Determining and applying approved restraint techniques to control and mitigate disturbances.
Knowing and adhering to all department policies and standard operating procedures and instructing juveniles on rules, procedures, and expectations.
Performing crisis intervention functions to include counseling, suicide prevention, recognizing abnormal behavior, and taking appropriate actions.
Searching people, clothing, mail items, and objects capable of concealing contraband; searching buildings and large outdoor areas; inspecting juveniles with reasonable suspicion; confiscating and properly logging and disposing of contraband.
Transferring and transporting youth on foot, in vehicles, or other forms of transportation.
Maintaining the safety and security of detained youth in all areas of the detention facility, on the facility grounds, and when escorting youth outside of the secured detention facility.
Developing, presenting, and engaging youth in meaningful transitional programming to provide skill development.
Establishing, monitoring, and maintaining detailed case files, ensuring accurate and complete documentation of juvenile’s behaviors, attitudes, and actions; preparing thorough and detailed reports and maintaining records as necessary.
Developing and maintaining effective and appropriate professional relationships with youth, co-workers, treatment team members, and outside agencies.
Controlling access to and from the facility; maintaining active visual and auditory supervision of youth for extended periods of time; operating and monitoring surveillance and electronic security equipment as assigned.
Performing, as needed, basic first aid procedures, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Assisting, as needed, in courtroom sessions.