Juvenile Detention Officer

Ward County•Ward County, ND

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Juvenile Detention Officer works at the Ward County Juvenile Detention Center, housed within the Ward County Jail. Officers provide for the security, care, custody, and control of juveniles. At this level, duties are performed independently with less supervision, and officers are considered fully functioning. Work is supervised by the Juvenile Detention Administrator, with unusual or complicated problems and medical emergencies referred for guidance. Officers are expected to use their training, judgment, experience, and knowledge to resolve problems and follow established policies and procedures. The position involves supervising juveniles and facility activities, maintaining security and order, processing admissions and releases, documenting events, coordinating with outside agencies, and responding to emergencies. Officers also assist with daily facility operations, may train new staff, and perform other duties assigned by department leadership. Work takes place in a generally environmentally controlled detention facility, where the atmosphere may be tense or hostile and the work can be physically and mentally stressful. Schedules may vary Monday through Sunday and include nights, weekends, and holidays. The listed starting salary is $24.55–$27.10 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Twelve months of experience in a position requiring interaction with and/or service to the public.
Knowledge of human nature and behavior and written and spoken English.
General knowledge of basic computer programs, including spreadsheet applications and word processing programs.
Ability to write, read, speak, and listen in English and communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate under pressure, in emergencies, and under stress, and to communicate cordially with staff, juveniles, other agencies, and the public.
Good judgment in defusing volatile situations and working with disturbed youth during crises.
Good hearing to remain aware of events when not present in the dayroom.
Successfully complete a psychological examination, orientation and on-the-job training, and the Basic Correctional Officer Training Course.
Valid North Dakota driver’s license, unless currently in the military.
Pass an extensive background check.
First Aid certification and CPR certification.
Complete Correctional Medical Training I and II courses.
Insurable driving record.
Ability to meet physical demands including standing, sitting, walking, stair climbing, running short distances, bending, kneeling, lifting objects up to 75 pounds, climbing ladders and stairs, stretching, reaching, and physically restraining juveniles.
Ability to work in conditions that may involve hazardous exposure, contagious diseases, loss of control of bodily functions, and rude, vulgar, or obscene language, gestures, or behavior; the role also requires body searches of juveniles.

Responsibilities

Maintain facility security, order, and discipline; supervise juveniles in daily activities and observe behavior to help prevent disturbances and escapes.
Conduct searches, head counts, housing and perimeter patrols, facility shakedowns, room checks, and security and safety checks.
Support juveniles’ safety, well-being, health maintenance, hygiene, and immediate needs; respond to requests and complaints and provide crisis intervention.
Process juvenile admissions, including assessing security and safety needs, conducting body searches, issuing clothing and supplies, handling property and money inventories, documenting information, and notifying family or required personnel.
Administer, verify, and document juvenile medications; obtain urine analyses; and arrange or support sick calls and medical appointments.
Conduct juvenile transfers and discharges, including distributing money, medications, identification, and required documents.
Supervise recreation, dayroom activities, programs, appointments, work details, transports, and other activities; escort or transport juveniles to court, medical, counseling, recreation, library, and other appointments or programs.
Screen, escort, and monitor authorized visitors and arrange and monitor juvenile visitation by sight and/or sound.
Distribute meals and snacks and collect, verify, and log related information; place meal orders and manage laundry and supplies as assigned.
Communicate with outside agencies and other entities regarding services, juvenile status, court dates, transports, and releases.
Write and file reports; maintain daily logs, pass-ons, grievances, facility records, and other required documentation.
Operate security monitors and door locks; manage keys, restraints, and specialized restraint equipment.
Respond to facility emergencies, including fires, escapes, evacuations, and natural disasters; administer CPR and first aid.
Assist with training, development, and supervision of new trainees; attend trainings and meetings; and perform on-call duties as required.
Assist with day-to-day facility operations, including answering phones, distributing mail, office and janitorial maintenance, supply inventory, and communicating with the public.
Promote teamwork and interdepartmental cooperation, share information, resolve conflicts tactfully, take initiative, and contribute suggestions for improving work performance.