About the position
Milwaukee County is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Youth Correctional Officers. This role is crucial in providing direct supervision of youths held in secure detention at the Vel R. Phillips Youth & Family Justice Center. Under general supervision, Youth Correctional Officers will maintain compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code 346, Federal Statutes, and National Standards, ensuring the safety and security of the facility, staff, detainees, and outside visitors. The primary responsibility is to house youths in a secure environment while adhering to established schedules and policies. This position is essential for managing secure detention for Milwaukee County youths who are pending court hearings or post-disposition placement. As a Youth Correctional Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining order and rules within the pod, interacting with youths to ensure they follow programming and the daily schedule. You will keep an accurate count of each youth at all times, conduct custodial searches upon entry, and process youths into the ProPhoenix Booking System, updating any new information. Your role will also involve escorting youths to their assigned pods, documenting personal information, behavior, movements, and visits, and providing guidance and counseling while they are in detention. Additionally, you will supervise the general cleaning of the pods and cells, ensure proper searches of the youths and the detention center, and provide general security for all individuals within the facility. Each Youth Correctional Officer must attend and pass mandatory re-certification training, demonstrating proficiency in all techniques outlined in the State of Wisconsin Principle of Subject Control manual. This position requires a commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and youths, and the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support the operations of the facility.
Responsibilities
- Maintain order and rules on the pod, interacting with youths to follow programming and the daily pod schedule.
- Keep an accurate count of each youth at all times on or off the pod.
- Conduct custodial searches of each youth upon entering the facility.
- Process youths into the ProPhoenix Booking System, updating any new information.
- Escort each youth to their assigned pod and assist in all detention center movement.
- Document personal information, behavior, movements, and visits into the computer.
- Provide guidance and counseling to youths while they are in detention.
- Supervise the general cleaning of the pods and cells.
- Ensure proper searches of the youths and the entire detention center.
- Provide general security for the youths, staff, teachers, and medical staff.
- Attend and pass mandatory re-certification training, demonstrating proficiency in required techniques.
Requirements
- Graduation from high school, high school equivalency diploma or GED required.
- Certification by the Law Enforcement Standards Board must be acquired during the probationary period and maintained during incumbency.
- Minimum age of 21.
- Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver's license is required at time of application and maintained during incumbency.
- Applicants must be of good moral character determined from results of fingerprinting and background investigation.
- Felons, unless pardoned, will be rejected.
Nice-to-haves
- College level coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, psychology, child psychology, sociology, education, or social work preferred.
- Social work experience is preferred.
- Experience working at Children's Court is preferred.
- Experience teaching children is preferred.
- Experience working with children aged 19 and below is preferred.
Benefits
- Competitive benefit package
- Equal Opportunity Employer
- Accommodations for disability-related needs
