Job Details

Juvenile Detention Officer

Under close supervision, performs security work of routine difficulty in the supervision, care, and welfare of juveniles in a detention center or in the community. Upon successful completion of the Juvenile Detention Officer Academy, a one-year probationary period and passing a proficiency test, the Juvenile Detention Officer Entry will be eligible for promotion to Juvenile Detention Officer Journey.

Major Duties, Responsibilities

• Observes, controls, and supervises juvenile detainees' activities.
• Maintains the safety and physical security of the facility, personnel, and juvenile detainees.
• Provides mentorship and develops the character and maturity of detained juveniles.
• Responds to emergencies or stressful situations quickly, calmly, and decisively.
• Processes juvenile detainee bookings and releases, maintains other detention records.
• Maintains records and reports.
• Testifies in court as needed.
• Operation of a control room including use of visual observation, radios, and various software.
• Operate a motor vehicle and transports juveniles to court and other court-ordered activities.
• Performs searches on detained juveniles and their living quarters.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: No experience required. Additional Requirements: All persons applying for employment with the Juvenile Court must possess integrity, honesty, dependability, accuracy, initiative, good judgement, and courtesy. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license. Must complete detention officer certification within one (1) year of hire. Must complete defensive tactics and/or similar restraint training within one (1) year of hire. Must complete an internal intensive training program within three (3) months of hire. U.S. citizen or have legal resident status. Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age. Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation, fingerprinting, criminal history check, psychological examination, urinalysis screening for illicit drugs, and driving records check through the Motor Vehicles Division. May be required to successfully pass a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, physical examination, and/or credit check.

Other Skills

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of juvenile probation services.
• Principles of human behavior.
• Criminal justice system and community resources.
• Search, transportation, and restraint procedures.
• Counseling and interviewing techniques.
• Mentorship and character development.
• Court proceedings.
• Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition.
• Clerical office practices and procedures.
• Research techniques and report writing.
• Current Microsoft Office software.
• Filing and recordkeeping.

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Organization and adherence to detail.
• De-escalation and ability to develop rapport with detainees.

Ability to:

• Observe or monitor objects, data and/or behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Work rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, nights, and graveyard.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations, County officials, and the public.
• Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.
• Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion.
• Work professionally and effectively with co-workers, clients, victims of crime, witnesses, and the public.
• Demonstrate proficiency in verbal de-escalation, physical restraints, and defensive techniques.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment: The work environment is associated with an office and field environment year-round in all weather conditions and includes exposure to loud noise, blood borne pathogens, dust, fumes, mist, and chemicals. This is a highly public position where contact with public may be in challenging situations.

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in-person, telephonically and via radio. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Physical ability in the following is required: 1) Forcefully raise arms above head, 2) Perform minor aerobic activity, 3) Stand for up to 2 hours at a time, 4) Engage in balanced movements, 5) Forceful extension of the arms, 6) Ability to bend and fully extend legs. 7) Be able to sustain long periods of bending at the waist and kneeling (application/use of mechanical and physical restraint devices).

Additional Job Information: FLSA: Non-Exempt Grade: 7 Classification: Classified Safety Sensitive: Yes