Juvenile Detention Officer

Lucas County•Toledo, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position requires a professional business demeanor and presentation, with an emphasis on courtesy and confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of the information handled. The role involves working effectively with a diverse group of people, utilizing an awareness of cultural values and biases. There is a high probability of experiencing elevated stress levels while dealing with violent or uncooperative youth. This position is considered ESSENTIAL for the care of children in the custody of JDC, requiring staff to report every scheduled day, including holidays, inclement weather, and emergencies.

Requirements

Minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age
Valid driver’s license
Submit to a pre-employment screening (including physical exam, psychological exam, TB screen, drug screen), criminal record check and in-depth reference check.
Ability to read, write and present information both verbally and in writing on individual and group basis.
Must write legibly.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the ability to calculate percentages and decimals.
Basic keyboarding skills.
Ability to use word processing and email software.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, carry out instructions and independently problem solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.
Ability to walk (to include up and down multiple flights of stairs), stoop, bend, use hands, move objects, reach, push and pull on a regular basis.
Ability to talk, hear and see both with distance vision and ability to focus on juveniles being supervised.
Must be able to restrain and subdue a violent or uncooperative juvenile when required and assist others in doing so.
Must remain awake during work hours and scheduled breaks.
At least one (1) year relevant work experience required.
Must possess basic computer/keyboarding skills.
Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree in corrections, criminal justice, social services, or a closely related field preferred.
Bachelor Degree preferred.
Two (2) plus years of relevant work experience preferred.
Experience in Court or Juvenile Justice Systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, laws, standards, policies, etc. while monitoring work environment; initiate corrective action as needed.
Exchange information with on-coming and departing shifts.
Observe, evaluate, and document individual and group efforts and progress of detainees.
Counsel, orient, respond to questions, provide leadership, and role model to youth.
Provide daily positive interaction with youth by serving as a positive role model with appropriate professional conduct, manners and appearance in accordance with court policy.
Discipline detainees in accordance with established policy as required.
Provide encouragement to youth and engage youth in pro-social activities.
Conduct psycho-educational cognitive groups and role plays.
Provide security for youth and activities; control violent and uncooperative youth.
Supervises meal service to residents as assigned.
Prepare and maintain daily logs, reports, filing etc.
Complete incident reports according to department policy.
Perform room checks, facility checks, and conduct searches of youth and facility for contraband.
Provide fair and consistent “eyes-on” supervision to detainees.
Supervise visitations that take place with detainees.
Clean and maintain sections and work areas; instruct youth in section work details.
Communicate with and assist other staff members as needed.
Provide assistance to other staff in a crisis situation.
Work irregular hours, including expanded and rotating shifts for 24-hour coverage of the facility.
Must regularly report to work as scheduled and follow all attendance policies.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with youth and staff as policy and training dictates.
Attend mandatory staff meeting and training as assigned.
Must open and read email daily when scheduled to work.
All other duties assigned.