Juvenile Detention Officer III

Brief Description

Functions as a lead Juvenile Detention Officer in providing direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility and assists in the development and evaluation of residential programs. Management Scope: May assume divisional responsibility in the absence of the shift supervisor.

Detailed Description

Provides direct day-to-day supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility in manner that ensures the health, safety and welfare of each youth. Functions as a lead Juvenile Detention Officer and assumes divisional responsibility in the absence of the shift supervisor. Provides individual and group counseling to all youths to promote and increase personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives. Provides critical and sound judgement and decisions during crisis or potentially dangerous situations, conducts crisis intervention counseling, and notifies the supervisor of concerns. Disciplines youths by enforcing the rules of the facility, documents behavior and other specific information and forwards to appropriate personnel. Trains and evaluates staff and maintains time and attendance records in the absence of a shift supervisor. Transports youths to and from appointments. 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 include room checks and physical searches of youths. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education, Experience and Training: Graduation from an accredited high school/GED program. Two (2) years of work related experience. Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public. Must have current Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within 90 days of hire. Must maintain 40 hours of training yearly. Must be certified as required by applicable standards of the facility/department assigned. 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 will be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment. The employee will also be subject to shift changes. “Position requires working with juveniles who may have committed dangerous/ aggressive acts; should possess a high tolerance for working in an emotionally demanding/stressful work environment.” May be transferred to another department, shift, location, or facility based on the needs of the Department. Working in a 24-hour facility may make the employee subject to working mandatory overtime or remaining on duty and working all, or a part of, an additional shift (“double shift”). The incumbent is / may be considered to be ‘essential personnel’ subject to being held over or called back to a work location or alternate site at all times. When required, you will be notified by your supervisor. Must be at least 21 years of age (for applicable positions) and must pass all portions (physical/written) of the Juvenile Academy to continue employment or all standards related to PREA and Ethics for specific positions. Physical/Environmental Requirements: Works inside a secured facility with potential exposure to hepatitis, tuberculosis, lice and other diseases. Ability to restrain and/or chase youths. May be required to utilize vehicle to transport youths.

Additional Details

BILINGUAL PREFERRED 2600 LONE STAR DRIVE DALLAS TEXAS 75212 JUVENILE DEPT (DETENTION CENTER) An extensive pre-employment background investigation will be conducted on all applicants who have been offered positions with Dallas County. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify an applicant unless applicable law requires such action.Dallas County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, National Service Alumni volunteers, and persons with a criminal background are encouraged to apply.