Youth Care Worker/Juvenile Detention Officer

Under close supervision, performs security work of routine difficulty to control and care for detainees, and performs related duties as assigned.

(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Conducts booking and release of detainees; searches detainees; collects and inventories property; completes fingerprints and photos; completes booking forms; upon release, returns all property and notifies victims; distributes records appropriately.
• Identifies, attends and conducts training and educational programs and seminars.
• Testifies at court hearings and prepares reports and materials requested and subpoenaed by the courts.
• Interviews and classifies all new detainees; researches and assesses criminal history and capabilities; assesses compatibility of each new detainee with others in the facility and assigns cells; re-classifies and re-arranges housing as required by detainee behavior; may supervise and monitor offenders detained under electronic surveillance program.
• Maintains the safety and security of the staff, detainees, visitors and facility; schedules and supervises detainee activities and maintains discipline; may physically restrain uncooperative or disruptive detainees and take steps to avert fights, assaults, riots and escapes; conducts cell searches for contraband; conducts unit safety checks; monitors cameras, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors; inventories tools and supplies; accounts for detainees under direct supervision; conducts detainee counts to insure accuracy of total detainee population.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency radio calls; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in incidents; identifies and collects evidence; completes detailed reports and required paperwork.
• Provides care for detainees; dispenses and oversees meals; provide security for the nursing staff who administers medications and oversees detainee hygiene and showers; schedules medical, counseling, personal and other appointments, and conducts visiting sessions; schedules transportation for appointments and visits outside of the facility; transports and arranges transport for detainees; documents all transports; delivers mail and allows detainees to make personal and legal phone calls.

• Knowledge of human behavior and various social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of search, transportation, detainment and restraint methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing correctional institutions.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.

High School Diploma or G.E.D.; AND successful completion of Juvenile Detention Officer Academy; AND valid driver’s license; must be at least 21 years of age; must be able to successfully pass polygraph, drug test, fingerprinting, physical and psychological test.