JTDC - Youth Detention Specialist

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 – 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC is dedicated to providing its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development. As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600+ employees who serve an average daily population of 280+ residents. The Youth Detention Specialist supervises, guides, and counsels residents through daily activities within the JTDC’s residential and educational programs.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferably with major course work in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related social services.
At least one year of previous experience with at-risk youth in a residential or community-based juvenile justice environment preferred.
At least one year of proven experience in a secured facility is strongly preferred.
United States citizenship.
21 years of age at the time of application submission.
Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of date of hire.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.
Meet additional minimum requirements for eligibility established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).
Must pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual communication skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Closely provides direct and continuous supervision of JTDC residents in accordance with policy and procedure that promote a safe, secure, and humane environment for residents and staff. This includes monitoring all resident activity to make certain that adequate security measures are maintained through conducting security checks, safety checks, resident counts, searches, and room checks at appropriate intervals.
Supervises structured and leisure activities of the residents around the clock, including preparing residents for various group and individual activities such as religious services, classes, recreational programs, and court hearings.
Supervises meals and coordinates distribution of food and utensils.
Supervises and provides instruction of all activities (e.g.; bathing/showering, personal hygiene, etc.) on a daily-basis to maintain physical cleanliness and hygienic conditions of the juvenile and center. May assist in laundry of residents’ clothing.
Participates in the resident admission and orientation processes which includes, but is not limited to, rules and regulations applicable to residents, room assignments, and completion of appropriate shift log documentation, etc.
Administers behavior management programs such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Pro Social behavior and social skills.
Monitors residents for changes in behavior that may indicate potential crises in accordance with facility guidelines and alerts other staff as appropriate.
Intervenes, when necessary, in crises in accordance with policy and procedure guidelines for physical and mechanical restraints, room confinements, or other appropriate action. Submits information to Supervisor in Charge/Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader in accordance with JTDC policy/procedure
Escorts residents within the facility and externally as directed. This may be to accompany youth during hospital visits, funerals, and appointments at various social service agencies.
Reports all observances of unusual behaviors of resident’s physical and mental health to the Supervisor in Charge/Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader and the designated medical and/or Mental Health authority.
Organizes and directs participation in group recreational activities such as games, arts and crafts, gym events, outdoor activities and other activities as needed.
Documents resident behaviors and actions daily, using observation notes, incident reports, shift change notes, RMIS shift logs and other related documentation.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, local and JTDC policy and procedure and lawful court orders
Maintains cleanliness of assigned PODS and common areas
Maintains and accounts for all JTDC issued equipment to include but not limited to radio, keys and Guardian electronic device
Communicates verbally and in writing in a coherent and effective manner through reports, and memorandums, both internally and with external agency contacts.
In collaboration with a certified instructor, serves as an active participant in the resident’s educational program.
Performs other duties as assigned.