Juvenile Residential Treatment Officer I, II, or III

Travis County•Austin, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves making a difference in the lives of juvenile youth by balancing law and order with compassion and rehabilitation. The role requires knowledge of criminal justice and counseling methods, and offers opportunities for career growth and community contribution within the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD). The position requires availability for non-traditional work schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, with potential reassignment to different shifts (6:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) based on operational needs. Shift and certification pay premiums may be applicable.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Certification as a Juvenile Detention Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint technique).
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
Knowledge of standard practices in area of assignment.
Knowledge of psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
Knowledge of standard counseling techniques.
Knowledge of safety and security techniques and standards.
Knowledge of physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
Knowledge of first aid techniques.
Knowledge of computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
Skill in training of others.
Skill in monitoring and responding to client behavior.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in interviewing clients.
Skill in both verbal and written communication.
Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to reason and make judgments and decisions.
Ability to work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
Ability to deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.
Ability to manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
Ability to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
Ability to perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
Physical Exam, Drug Test, Alcohol Test, Psychological Exam Required.

Nice To Haves

Juvenile Residential Treatment Officer I: Associate’s degree in Human Services or a directly related field AND one (1) year experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or a directly related field; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job
Juvenile Residential Treatment Officer II: Associate’s degree in Human Services or a directly related field AND two (2) years’ experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or a directly related field; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job
Juvenile Residential Treatment Officer III: Associate’s degree in Human Services or a directly related field AND three (3) years’ experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or a directly related field; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision of all client daily activities.
Maintains accountability of all clients and equipment and ensures that the environment is safe, clean and secure.
Assesses juveniles, assists in developing treatment plans and implements available treatment plans, corrective disciplinary strategies and effective treatment intervention programs.
Ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior.
Conducts cognitive skill groups and teamwork activities.
Models competency in direct care principles for less experienced staff.
Documents clients' behavior and enters into department computer information system.
Develops strategies for case management.
Assists in training other juvenile residential treatment employees.
Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required.
Ensures environment is safe and clean.
Maintains order and discipline.
Physically restrains aggressive clients using approved protocols, as required.
Transports clients to other facilities, as required.
Serves on committees and participates in special projects.
Maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care.
Assists in investigating incidents involving clients.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.