JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER I.5003300

Dallas County (TX) - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Dallas, TX

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Functions as an entry level Juvenile Detention Officer providing direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility. Provides day-to-day direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility in a manner that ensures the health, safety and welfare of each youth is in compliance with departmental policies and procedures and all applicable standards. Provides individual and group counseling to all youths to promote and increase personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives. Makes critical and sound judgments and decisions during crisis or potentially dangerous situations, only in the absence of the supervisor; informs supervisor of problems or situations encountered and actions taken; and documents actions. Disciplines youths by enforcing the rules of the facility, documents behavior and other specific information and forwards to appropriate personnel. Serves as back-up to staff and assumes all duties as necessary, i.e., administering medications, transporting youths to appointments, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths. Must be physically able to perform 'handling with care techniques, including takedowns, chasing and restraining youth' as outlined in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) requirement. Conducts inspections, rounds and drills which includes room checks and physical searches of youths. Transports youths to and from appointments. Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertaining programs and activities. Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility.
• Ensures the health, safety and welfare of each youth in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Provides individual and group counseling to all youths.
• Makes critical and sound judgments during crisis situations.
• Disciplines youths by enforcing the rules of the facility.
• Documents behavior and forwards information to appropriate personnel.
• Serves as back-up to staff and assumes necessary duties.
• Conducts inspections, rounds and drills.
• Transports youths to and from appointments.
• Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertaining programs and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school/GED program.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must be certified as required by applicable standards within six months of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation.
• Mandatory drug testing prior to employment and subject to random testing during employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual preferred.

Benefits

• Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
• Encouragement for AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, National Service Alumni volunteers, and persons with a criminal background to apply.