Juvenile Detention Specialist

Douglas County•Ne, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Position Incumbent works under the direction of the Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) Superintendent or designee, supervising Youth Center detainees while maintaining adherence to established policies and procedures. This role involves monitoring daily activities, ensuring safety and security, and coordinating detainee activities within a correctional setting that operates 24/7. The incumbent will also be responsible for maintaining facility standards, preparing reports, and potentially serving as acting shift supervisor.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, or Psychology required.
One (1) year work experience with adolescent youth required.
Twenty-one (21) years of age or older required.
Valid driver’s license and own transportation upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.
Random drug testing required.
Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check and conditional offer drug screen required.
Equivalent combination of experience/education may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Juvenile corrections experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor daily activities of detainees in assigned unit, reviewing information from previous shift.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
Familiarize new detainees with rules, regulations, and operating procedures.
Provide positive reinforcement for detainees when appropriate, and serve as a role-model for appropriate behavior.
Regularly inspect assigned unit and personal inspections of detainees to ensure the safety of detainees and security of the facility (e.g. contraband, hazards, damage, or potential security breaches).
Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures, including regulatory and accreditation requirements, state statutes and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
Maintain "watch sheet" for designated detainees (e.g. suicide, medical conditions).
Report any unusual behavior, conditions, or activities to Duty Supervisor.
Respond immediately to emergencies, restraining or restricting the action of combative or disruptive detainees using only necessary force.
Document unusual activity or incidents, passing relevant information to oncoming shift.
Coordinate and monitor individual and group activities and appointments.
Keep track of detainee location and escort detainees to group activities outside of the unit.
Monitor detainee medication intake as prescribed by the medical department.
Respond to medical emergencies, consult with supervisor, alert medical staff to detainees' request or need for medical attention and take appropriate action.
Communicate and establish rapport and trust with detainees to facilitate meaningful interactions, problem solving, and exchange of ideas.
Provide input to supervisors on disciplinary matters and take action as directed.
Maintain sanitation standards and ensure cleanliness in facility (e.g. prepare soiled items for laundry service, restock clean laundry and supplies, distribute personal hygiene items to detainees), taking action to correct any deficiencies.
Prepare list of supplies needed for assigned unit.
Prepare reports and attend meetings and training.
Serve as acting shift supervisor as assigned.
Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned and directed.