Job Details

Juvenile Detention Officer

JOB SUMMARY: Do you have a criminal justice background or interest? Do you enjoy working with youth populations? Do you want to make a difference today with juveniles in the system? Are you not just looking for the next job or opportunity, but a career where you can learn, grow, and contribute to a retirement plan? If so, we have an opportunity for you. The Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) is seeking positive, assertive, reliable, and confident individuals to serve as role models for youth staying in our short-term Juvenile Detention facility. Juvenile Detention Officers provide for the day-to-day direct supervision of youth detained in a 24-hour pre-adjudication detention program. Officers maintain the safety and security of detained youth, ensure the health and welfare of each juvenile, counsel clients on an individual basis, and facilitate cognitive skills groups to assist juveniles in developing appropriate coping skills and prosocial behaviors. Juvenile Detention Officers implement appropriate programs for clients and document client behavior in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable standards. The ideal candidate for this position will have a unique opportunity to serve, protect and have a positive impact on the lives of youth from various backgrounds and communities. Detention Services' mission is to provide competency development, accountability, welfare, and community protection. The Detention Services Program provides for the detention of male and female juveniles who are awaiting disposition of their cases by the court Services are provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in a secure pre-adjudication facility. Services offered include classroom instruction by Austin Independent School District teachers, Counseling Services and recreational activities. Please note: This position requires that you be available to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. You are required to work any of the following shifts: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. upon hire, and the Department may reassign you to a different shift when a business need arises in order to meet operational needs: We encourage qualified candidates to apply. We also have part time Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant positions available. Part time Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant positions supplement the full time Juvenile Detention Officers and depending on business need may work additional hours When all job qualifications are met, Juvenile Detention Officer Assistants may be considered for promotion to a regular, full-time Juvenile Detention Officer position.

Duties and 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.
• Ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior.
• Conducts inspections, rounds and drills which includes room searches, pat searches, fire drills and emergency response readiness training.
• Transports youths to and from appointments as needed.
• Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertainment programs and activities.
• 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.
• Assists in training other juvenile supervision officers.
• Provides individual and crisis intervention counseling as required.
• Ensures environment is safe and clean. Maintains order and discipline.
• Physically restrains aggressive juveniles using approved protocols and procedures.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Juvenile Detention Officer I: Starting at $24.23 hourly High School Diploma or equivalent AND one (1) year experience working in the Human and Social Services field (i.e., Corrections, Security, Mental Health, Counseling, Teaching, or other related social service professions.) 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 Detention Officer II: Starting at $24.95 hourly Associate's degree in Human Services or a directly related field or two (2) years of college education in Human Services or a directly related field AND two (2) years' experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or 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 Detention Officer III: Starting at $25.82 hourly Associate's degree in Human Services or a directly related field or two (2) years of college education in Human Services or a related field AND three (3) years' experience in direct client care, counseling, law enforcement, corrections or 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.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age

Must not have a disqualifying criminal history as defined by Texas Administrative Code Chapter 344. Certification as a Juvenile Detention Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire, Successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and

Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques). Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred:

Experience working with youth in a secured facility

Associate degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
• Standard counseling techniques.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.
• First aid techniques.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

Skill in:

• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• 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.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to stressful environment and client and customer contact for extended periods of time.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Shift work: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM (Must be able to work all three shifts as needed.) Location: 2515 S. Congress Ave Austin, Texas 78744 Department: Juvenile Probation Department Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required. Physical Exam, Drug Test, Alcohol Test, Psychological Exam