Juvenile Justice Detention Officer I - 80004005

State of Florida • Clearwater, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as Juvenile Justice Detention Officers. This role is crucial for enhancing 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 guiding them to become productive citizens. As a detention officer, you will often be the first point of contact for juvenile offenders, making leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a passion for working 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.
• Not have received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Abide by all provisions of s. 985.644 (1), regarding fingerprinting and background investigations and other screening requirements.
• Execute and submit an affidavit-of-application form attesting to compliance with 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).
• Obtain a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire if initially hired with an out-of-state license.
• Have three years of acceptable driving record if the position includes 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 experience.
• 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.
• Provide the right services, at the right time, to help shape youth into productive citizens.
• Interact with juvenile offenders as the first DJJ employee.
• Maintain facility operating procedures.
• Conduct strip searches.
• Perform hygiene and housekeeping tasks to maintain facility sanitation.
• Recognize signs of potential suicide or depression and behavioral changes in youth.
• Address issues of youth experiencing problems.
• Determine appropriate levels of force.
• Provide constructive feedback to correct behavior.
• Utilize conflict management skills.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records related to youth supervision.

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 student loan debt forgiveness program.
• Participation in group health insurance and dental plans.
• Participation in a secure pension/investment plan.

What This Job Offers

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