Juvenile Justice Detention Officer I - 80003828

State of Florida • Daytona Beach, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as Juvenile Justice Detention Officers. This role is crucial for enhancing public safety by ensuring a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting. As a detention officer, you will be the primary point of contact for juvenile offenders, responsible for upholding accountability while promoting dignity and respect. The department aims to provide the right services at the right time to help shape youth into productive citizens. This position requires leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a genuine 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, or have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces.
• Not have pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement after September 30, 1999.
• 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.
• Be agreeable to working shift schedules, including rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays with varying days off.
• Be prepared for potential unplanned overtime or unscheduled double shifts.
• Pass a sex offender check, criminal background checks (state, local, and national), and pre-employment drug screening.
• 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 valid driver’s license and three-years acceptable driving record if transporting 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.
• Promote a culture that upholds dignity and respect.
• Treat each youth as an individual by providing the right services at the right time.
• Shape youth to become productive citizens in society.
• Serve as the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders.
• 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 who are 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.

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
• One of the most secure pension/investment plans

What This Job Offers

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