Juvenile Justice Detention Officer I - 80037066

State of Florida • Clearwater, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is seeking to hire multiple Juvenile Justice Detention Officers to enhance public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting. DJJ aims to hold youth accountable for their actions while fostering a culture of dignity and respect, ultimately shaping them into productive citizens. As a detention officer, you will be one of the first DJJ employees to interact with juvenile offenders, requiring leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a desire to work with youth.

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.
• Not 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 attesting to compliance with specific requirements.
• Pass a sex offender check.
• Pass criminal background checks (state, local, and national).
• Pass pre-employment drug screening for direct care positions.
• Participate in E-VERIFY (Employment Eligibility).
• Possess a valid driver's license (if identified on position description).
• If initially hired with an out-of-state license, obtain a valid Florida state driver's license within 30 days of hire.
• Have a three-years acceptable driving record (for positions involving transportation of youth).
• Be certified in accordance with the Department direct care training policy and obtain such certification within 180 days of employment.
• Pass an Ergometric’s IMPACT Assessment and Training Test (for candidates not currently in the state system).

Nice To Haves

• Leadership qualities.
• Coaching abilities.
• Mentoring skills.
• Desire to work with youth.

Responsibilities

• Ensure public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting.
• Hold youth accountable for their criminal actions.
• Treat each youth as an individual by providing the right services, at the right time.
• Be the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to youth.
• Maintain facility operating procedures.
• Conduct strip searches.
• Perform hygiene and housekeeping tasks to maintain sanitary conditions of the facility.
• Recognize signs of potential suicide or depression and changes in youth's behavior.
• Address issues of youth experiencing problems.
• Determine appropriate level of use of force.
• Provide constructive feedback to correct behavior.
• Utilize conflict management skills.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records relating to the supervision of youth.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with youth, co-workers, supervisors, and the public.
• Work shift schedules, including rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays with varying days off.
• Be available for unplanned overtime or unscheduled double shifts when necessary.

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.
• Eligibility for participation in student loan debt forgiveness program.
• Participation in one of the best group health insurance and dental plans.
• 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