Juvenile Justice Detention Officer

JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I -

Date:
Jan 7, 2026

Requisition No: 867687

Working Title:

JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I -

Purpose of the Position: Working as a juvenile justice detention officer is a rewarding and challenging career that focuses on maintaining public safety and supporting youth accountability in a structured environment.

At the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), our mission is to protect the public by providing high-quality services to youth and families, while ensuring each youth is treated with dignity and respect.

• Provide a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting.
• Act as the first point of contact for juvenile offenders, demonstrating leadership, coaching, and mentoring.
• Enforce facility policies and procedures for the care, custody and control of youth.
• Conduct safety procedures and strip searches as required.
• Maintain sanitation and hygiene in the facility.
• Recognize signs of potential suicide or depression and respond appropriately.
• Address issues of youth who are experiencing problems with effective communication.
• Determine appropriate use of force and provide constructive feedback to correct behavior.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records related to youth supervision.
• Communicate orally and in writing with youth, co‑workers, supervisors, and the public.

• Knowledge of department policies, procedures for the care, custody and control of youth, facility operating procedures, and safety procedures.
• Skill in recognizing signs of potential suicide or depression and in addressing youth problems.
• Ability to determine level of use of force, provide constructive feedback, prepare reports, perform basic arithmetic, and communicate effectively.

• 104 hours of paid vacation annually.
• 96 hours of paid sick leave annually with unlimited accrual of unused hours.
• 9 paid holidays and 1 personal day each year.
• 6 paid credit hours per term at Florida colleges and universities.
• Participation in student loan debt forgiveness program.
• Group health and dental insurance plans.
• Pension/investment plan.
• Additional benefits available upon request.

Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 2525 Ortiz Avenue, Ft. Myers, Florida, 33905

Minimum Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,676.76 (Biweekly)

Open to internal promotions per state spending restrictions. Compensation may be adjusted up to 5% above current rate.

• At least 19 years of age.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor involving perjury/false statement.
• No dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces.
• Must comply with fingerprinting, background checks and other screening requirements.
• Must submit an affidavit of application attesting to compliance.
• Valid driver’s license required if position involves vehicle transport or a 30‑day conversion requirement for out‑of‑state license holders.
• Certification in direct-care training required within 180 days of hire.
• Non‑state direct-care workers must pass the Ergometric IMPACT Assessment and Training Test before consideration.

• Shift work required (rotating, evenings, weekends, holidays). Unplanned overtime or double shifts may be necessary.
• All candidates subject to sex offender checks, criminal background checks, and pre‑employment drug screening.
• Positions requiring transportation of youth must meet driver’s license and driving record criteria.
• Testing results used for six months for re‑application to similar positions.
• Staffing must reflect male/female ratio of juvenile population in accordance with Florida law and regulations.
• Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer; no discrimination or violence tolerated.
• Reasonable accommodations available for candidates requiring disability accommodation (notify hiring authority in advance).
• Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace; drug testing required as per Section 112.0455, F.S.

Applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference receive preference for Career Service vacancies. Documentation must include DD Form 214 Member Copy #4 and meet Rule 55A‑7 requirements. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Nearest Major Market:
Fort Myers
Nearest Secondary Market:
Cape Coral

For assistance, call People First Service Center: 877‑562‑7287 (Mon‑Fri, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Eastern Time).