Juvenile Detention Officer

County of Thurston • Tumwater, WA

4d

About The Position

Thurston County is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable Juvenile Detention Officer to supervise, monitor, and care for juvenile offenders and other court-involved youth in a secure confinement facility and detention-sponsored programs outside the facility. The role provides direction for juvenile activities, monitors compliance with court-ordered detention conditions, and records observations for probation counselors and others working with youth. The position also includes operating facility security systems, conducting intake and release procedures, assessing safety and critical needs, supporting educational and behavioral programs, transporting youth, and responding to incidents and emergencies.

The officer works in a 24-hour security facility, where exposure to physical danger from high-risk youth may occur. The work requires physical exertion, including lifting up to 50 pounds, and ongoing negotiation skills to maintain control, cooperation, and safety. Shifts are 12 hours, scheduled three and four days per week alternately; work includes non-standard hours, weekends, and holidays. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, and transporting juveniles. The role involves daily phone and in-person interactions with County staff and the public.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience working with youth; additional education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Before hire, demonstrate an acceptable level of physical fitness by meeting the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission Physical Abilities Test standard; maintain the standard through Training Commission testing and successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy.
• Successfully complete the Security Worker's Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Complete annual training in Proper Use of Physical Force (Defensive Tactics).
• Pass a background investigation, including review of driving record, work history, education, and criminal history, using provided identification and fingerprints.
• Possess or obtain upon hire a food handler’s permit and valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work scheduled 12-hour shifts, three and four days per week alternately, including non-standard hours, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience working with troubled youth.
• Specialized education or training in social skills instruction tailored to youth learning styles.
• Positive attitude.
• Training in defensive tactics.

Responsibilities

• Operate electronic security systems from the Master Control Room, control access to secured areas, and monitor facility and perimeter areas through closed-circuit cameras.
• Receive incoming calls and route them to the appropriate person.
• Screen people entering the facility using walk-through magnetometers for weapons and prohibited items.
• Conduct juvenile intake and release procedures, including admission screening, paperwork, criminal history searches and entries, photographing, fingerprinting, and securing personal property.
• Recommend search procedures to the supervisor in accordance with detention policy and the juvenile’s conduct during intake.
• Assess detainees’ critical needs and safety/security classifications, including suicide risk, aggressive behavior, medical needs, and mental health status; recognize relevant signs of mental illness, alcohol consumption, and drug overdose, and respond appropriately.
• Notify parents, guardians, and schools about a youth’s incarceration and explain facility procedures and regulations to youth and family members.
• Monitor visitation, verify visitor authorization and required documents, search juveniles after visits, and secure valuables and money brought or mailed for juveniles.
• Prepare detainees for detention school programs and ensure timely release for scheduled school and transportation arrangements.
• Provide transportation to and from the community for youth in the day detention program.
• Monitor juvenile activities in living units, program areas, and during exercise periods.
• Observe and document juvenile behavior and history; complete, file, maintain, and route records, forms, and reports to appropriate offices, individuals, or courts.
• Provide immediate basic first aid and CPR when required, assess the situation, and notify the proper authority for further treatment or evaluation.
• Perform custodial duties, including laundry, mending, sweeping, mopping, dusting, and kitchen-related tasks; pick up and deliver prepared meals and return meal containers.
• Instruct and supervise detainees in daily custodial care of the facility and living areas, and maintain adequate supplies for juveniles’ health and welfare.
• Provide emotional support to juveniles and recommend appropriate services to probation counselors or medical professionals for youth with emotional or developmental needs.
• Document assaults, escapes, injuries, abuse reports, medical conditions, and other incidents in detention and associated programs.
• Recommend and direct sanctions and behavior-modification techniques; when authorized, use physical force and assist with restraining and moving combative detainees.
• Submit required incident reports to the Detention Supervisor, Detention Manager, Court Administrator, and Probation Counselor, and appear in court as a witness when required.
• Supervise prescribed medication distribution and ensure instructions for application or ingestion are followed.
• Prepare juveniles for court appearances, escort them to court, and supervise them in holding areas and courtrooms; restrain or remove a juvenile from court when necessary.
• Prepare reports to the Department of Social and Health Services for juvenile history packages related to state placement dispositions.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement daily schedules that meet state and local requirements and provide meaningful activities in a safe and secure environment.
• Participate in skills training and intervene to help youth develop skills for addressing daily living problems.
• Work with education staff to develop job skills and supervise and coordinate employment experiences for detained youth.
• Transport juveniles to and from work sites and other correctional facilities, direct and work with youth at work sites, and transport youth for emergency medical care.

Benefits

• Retirement plan.
• Pre-tax savings accounts, including flexible spending accounts.
• Comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for employees and their families.
• Paid vacation for full-time regular employees.
• Paid holidays.
• County-paid training and opportunities to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible work schedule options, including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Three voluntary deferred compensation plans.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying full-time public service employees.

What This Job Offers

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