JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I - 80080573

State of Florida • FT MYERS, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is seeking dedicated professionals to enhance public safety through high-quality effective services for youth and families. Working as a juvenile justice detention officer is a rewarding and challenging career opportunity where the primary responsibility is to ensure public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting. At DJJ, the focus is on accountability for criminal actions while promoting dignity and respect, aiming to shape youth into productive citizens. As a detention officer, you are often the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders, making leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a desire to work with youth essential qualities.

Requirements

• Be at least 19 years of age.
• Be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
• Not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Abide by all provisions of s. 985.644 (1), regarding fingerprinting and background investigations and other screening requirements for personnel.
• Execute and submit to the Department an affidavit-of-application form.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures and procedures for the care, custody and control of youth.
• Knowledge of facility operating procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and conducting strip searches.
• Knowledge of good hygiene and housekeeping tasks relating to maintaining the sanitary conditions of the facility.
• Skills in recognizing signs of potential suicide or depression and changes in youth’s behavior.
• Skills in addressing issues of youth who are experiencing problems.
• Ability to determine appropriate level of use of force.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to correct behavior and use of conflict management skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records relating to the supervision of youth.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively work with youth, co-workers, supervisors and the public.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Have a three-years acceptable driving record if transporting youth.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership qualities.
• Coaching abilities.
• Mentoring abilities.
• A desire to work with youth.

Responsibilities

• Ensure public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting.
• Treat each youth as an individual by providing the right services, at the right time.
• Interact with juvenile offenders.
• Maintain facility operating procedures.
• Conduct strip searches.
• Perform good hygiene and housekeeping tasks relating to maintaining the sanitary conditions of the facility.
• Recognize signs of potential suicide or depression and changes in youth’s behavior.
• Address issues of youth who are experiencing problems.
• Determine appropriate level of use of force.
• Provide constructive feedback to correct behavior and use of conflict management skills.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records relating to the supervision of youth.

Benefits

• 104 hours of paid vacation annually
• 96 hours of paid sick leave annually, with unlimited accrual of unused hours
• 9 paid holidays, and 1 personal day each year
• 6 paid credit hours per term at Florida’s colleges and universities
• Eligible for participation in student loan debt forgiveness program
• Participation in one of the best group health insurance and dental plans offered by any employer
• One of the most secure pension/investment plans available

What This Job Offers

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