Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer

Posting Date: 07/14/26 | Final date to receive applications: 07/21/26
Pay Range: $28.35 - $33.93 (Mid) - $39.50 (Max)

The Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer supports the Maricopa County Juvenile Court and Probation Department by ensuring the lawful taking of physical custody of minors and making custody or release decisions. The role requires around‑the‑clock (24/7) work, including day, evening, and night shifts, and involves working holidays, weekends, and rotating schedules.

• Facilitate screening, admission, release, and detention hearings of juveniles referred to the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center.
• Collect referral history, court records, police reports, caregiver information, and other relevant data to administer assessment tools.
• Exercise discretion to determine jurisdiction and authority for physical custody; make detainment or release decisions.
• Conduct health screenings, interviews, and self‑reporting to determine suitability for intake or redirect to external medical clearance.
• Maintain the safety and well‑being of youth in custody through continuous sight and sound supervision, suicide prevention, and pro‑social behavior interventions.
• Provide timely, accurate reports to courts, judicial officers, and other stakeholders; complete required forms and data entry.
• Coordinate custody and release decisions with county or state agencies when parental rights are permanently or temporarily removed.
• Collect and secure personal items, fingerprints, DNA, and update photographs of admitted youth.
• Exchange necessary information during shift transitions to ensure clear communication.
• Adhere to applicable policies, procedures, judicial codes, and state/federal laws. Perform additional duties as assigned, including direct supervision and transportation of youth.

• Associate’s degree or completion of 60 semester credit hours from an academically accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of experience in probation, juvenile detention, correctional, adolescent behavioral, or similar setting.
• Equivalent combination of post‑secondary education and job‑related experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.
• At least 21 years of age by hire date.
• Successful completion of background/reference check, polygraph, and pre‑employment psychological evaluation.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Results of tuberculosis (TB) test must be negative before starting employment.
• Completion of Detention Academy including physical restraint training (Handle With Care).

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in juvenile detention.
• Familiarity with Arizona laws and rules applicable to juveniles.

• Positive youth development and engagement principles.
• Effective writing and communication skills.
• Understanding of laws and regulations such as Arizona State Detention Standards and PREA.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting documents, maintaining confidential information, and problem resolution.
• Time management, crisis assessment, and de‑escalation techniques.
• Computer proficiency:
  Microsoft Office, Techcare, Juvenile Case Management System, iCIS, etc.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.
• Ability to apply sound judgment, independent problem‑solving, and research skills.
• Physical ability to handle and restrain individuals, including exerting force up to 50 lbs.

• Secure detention facility; work on nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical demands include climbing stairs, standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and repetitive motion tasks.
• Exposure to disruptive individuals, noise, and potential hazards such as heat, cold, wetness, dust, and blood‑borne pathogens.
• May require driving of standard vehicle or van.

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.