Juvenile Justice Detention Officer II - Gainesville, FL

Job Title: Juvenile Justice Detention Officer II –

Location: Alachua Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 3440 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609.

• Perform duties in a highly responsible manner, demonstrate leadership and uphold dignity and respect.
• Adhere to agency policies, procedures and maintain a safe and secure environment for youth, staff, and visitors.
• Assist in the operation of the secure detention center, ensuring safe custody and protection of youth.
• Assist supervisor in ensuring compliance with court orders, Department policies, and quality standards.
• Distribute medication, perform Master Control, admissions and releases, and transportation as required.
• Supervise youth, maintain control through verbal or protective action response (PAR) as needed.
• Inspect facility, youth, visitors, and delivered packages for contraband.
• Train or coach employees on duties and orientation to facility policies.
• Assume acting supervisor responsibilities in supervisor's absence.
• Write reports, prepare incident records, and document violations and youth movements.
• Use security and emergency equipment, conduct checks for confined or suicidal youth, and maintain youth counts.
• Attend training required by Direct Care Training Policy and other assigned training.
• Attend required meetings and perform other related duties.

• Knowledge of department policies, facility operating procedures, and care and custody of youth.
• Ability to determine appropriate level of use of force.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to correct behavior.
• Knowledge of safe working conditions and conflict management skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records relating to youth supervision.
• Basic arithmetic skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Effective oral and written communication with youth, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Observation of changes in youth behavior and ability to recognize signs of suicide or depression.
• Skill in addressing issues of youth experiencing problems and performing searches.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for strip searches and good housekeeping and hygiene practices.

All employment gaps must be explained in work history. The facility operates 24/7/365; staff must work rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Positions may require shift overtime or double shifts. Transportation duties require a valid Florida driver’s license and a clean driving record.

All prospective candidates must undergo a sex offender check, criminal background checks, and pre‑employment drug screening.

DJJ participates in E‑Verify and requires applicants to achieve certification in direct care training within 180 days.

• Be at least 19 years of age.
• Be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, or have a dishonorable discharge.
• Abide by fingerprinting and background investigation provisions of s. 985.644(1).
• Submit an affidavit of application to the Department, acknowledging compliance with statutory requirements.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies. Supporting documentation must be submitted with each application.