Juvenile Justice Detention Officer

Requisition No: 874511

Working Title:

Juvenile Justice Detention Officer I -

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

Minimum Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,676.76 (internal promotion: minimum of the pay grade or up to 5% of current rate, whichever is higher)

As a Juvenile Justice Detention Officer, your primary responsibility is to ensure public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting. You will be the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders, and leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a desire to work with youth are essential qualities.

• Ensure a safe and secure environment for youthful offenders in a structured setting.
• Maintain accountability for youth’s criminal actions while promoting dignity and respect.
• Provide the right services at the right time to help youth become productive citizens.
• Perform leadership, coaching, and mentoring roles in support of youth.

• Knowledge of department policies, facility operating procedures, safety procedures, strip search protocols, and hygiene and housekeeping tasks.
• Skill in recognizing signs of potential suicide or depression and addressing youth experiencing problems.
• Ability to determine appropriate level of use of force and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and use conflict‑management skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records related to youth supervision.
• Mathematical proficiency: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers.

• At least 19 years of age.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury, false statements, or dishonorable discharge.
• Compliance with fingerprinting, background investigation, and other screening requirements.
• Appropriate affidavit of application signed under oath.
• Valid Florida driver’s license (if required for transport duties) and a clean driving record.
• Certification in direct‑care training within 180 days of hire.
• Pass competency assessment (Ergometric’s IMPACT Assessment) if not already certified.

• 104 hours of paid vacation annually.
• 96 hours of paid sick leave annually with unlimited accrual.
• 9 paid holidays and 1 personal day each year.
• 6 paid college credit hours per term at participating Florida colleges and universities.
• Participation in student loan debt forgiveness program.
• Group health and dental insurance plans.
• Secure pension/investment plans.

• Workforce is 24/7/365; shift schedules include rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Unplanned overtime or double shifts may be required.
• All prospective candidates will undergo a sex offender check, criminal background checks, and pre‑employment drug screening.
• Applicants must explain any employment gaps.
• Vaccinated E-Verify employer and drug‑free workplace policies apply.
• Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations are available upon request.

Veterans’ preference will be considered for eligible candidates. Documentation must be submitted as required by law. The State of Florida is an EEO employer.