Juvenile Service Officer - Full Time

Sarpy County•Ne, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Shift Supervisor or designee, the Juvenile Service Officer performs semi-skilled administrative and supervisory work for juveniles who are detained or on release. The position involves moderate responsibility and independent judgment in a secure detention setting and in the CARE Program. At the Holdover Facility, the officer coordinates and monitors juveniles’ daily activities; maintains security, order, and discipline; conducts intake, orientation, searches, and releases; maintains resident records and shift reports; responds to requests and incidents; and observes residents’ emotional and physical well-being. The officer supports residents’ social and adaptive skills, monitors activities and appointments, may escort detainees off campus, monitors medication intake, and responds to medical emergencies according to established procedures. In the CARE Program, the officer reviews program rules with parents or guardians, communicates with families, prepares client reports, collects specimens for substance-abuse screening as needed, sets up and monitors tracking equipment, conducts phone checks, approves outings, and adjusts schedules as necessary. The officer may also serve on committees and perform other assigned duties. Work is performed indoors in a staff-secure detention facility on an assigned shift supporting a 24-hour, seven-day operation, and may include outdoor home visits in varying weather conditions. The work involves close interaction with juveniles and can be physically or emotionally challenging, with exposure to infectious materials and occasional loud noise. Hours may include holidays, weekends, call-ins, irregular assignments, and crisis call availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Requirements

Two years of college-level coursework in social service, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, teaching, or a social service area; an approved equivalent combination of training and/or work experience may be substituted.
Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet the County’s acceptable driver standards.
Must successfully pass extensive background checks, including a criminal history records check.
Knowledge of and ability to enforce departmental Standard Operating Procedures and general orders.
Knowledge of Sheriff’s Office records and their application to problem solving, and of Sheriff’s Office responsibilities.
Ability to use independent judgment, accept supervisor direction, work with at-risk juveniles, and work flexible hours and overtime.
Ability to operate electronic monitoring equipment and GPS, standard office equipment, and equipment related to a comprehensive law enforcement program.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, comprehensive recommendations and reports; perform basic mathematical calculations; and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, deal courteously and tactfully with the public, and remain composed under pressure, stress, and frequent interruptions.
Ability to understand and follow exact verbal and written instructions, prioritize work, and complete assigned projects.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Ability to operate a computer, calculator, printer, scanner, fax, copier, phone, law enforcement radio, control panels, doors, alarms, mace, approved restraints, breathalyzer, first-aid equipment, and other equipment used for the job.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including frequent standing and walking, occasional bending, twisting, stooping, running, reaching, balancing, and shifting from knees to standing.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds, or up to 200 pounds as part of a team when assisting with the physical restraint of a combative juvenile.
Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing, smell, and touch; visual abilities include close, distance, and color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with juveniles is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, direct, and monitor juveniles’ daily activities at the Holdover Facility.
Maintain security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbances and escapes and ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community.
Perform intake and orientation, including interviewing, booking, and applying established admission or release criteria.
Search detained youth, secure their personal property, and provide approved clothing, hygiene items, and bed assignments.
Document behavioral incidents and observations, monitor residents’ locations, keep resident records current, and communicate information between shifts.
Verify visitor authorization, monitor visits, and search detainees after visitation.
Respond to detainee requests, resolve disagreements, intervene in altercations, and restrain youth when necessary under prescribed guidelines.
Conduct searches of youth and rooms, complete night perimeter checks, and enforce security procedures.
Observe residents’ behavior and emotional and physical needs, including signs of depression, suicide risk, disturbances, or escape plans; report unusual behavior or conditions.
Complete incident and damage documentation, manage noise and behavior, and de-escalate potentially difficult situations.
Teach and mentor responsibility, self-control, and adaptive and social skills, and ensure youth attend required educational classes.
Maintain watch sheets for designated high-risk clients and report unusual behavior, conditions, or activities to the supervisor.
Coordinate and monitor individual and group activities and appointments, including meals, court appearances, medical appointments, recreation, education, and work assignments.
Escort detainees off campus to appointments, court dates, or other matters when needed.
Promote accountability and appropriate consequences for delinquent behavior.
Monitor medication intake, alert the nurse to medical issues, and respond to medical emergencies according to established procedures.
Review program rules with parents or guardians and ensure they understand them before a juvenile enters the CARE Program.
Communicate regularly with parents and help families establish effective communication, structure, and discipline.
Prepare reports on CARE Program clients and collect specimens as needed for substance-abuse screening.
Establish and monitor client tracking equipment, conduct phone checks, approve outings, adjust schedules, and monitor alarms.
Serve on assigned committees and perform other assigned duties.