Trauma-Informed Juvenile Care Officer

Juvenile Correctional Officer II / III / IV

Provides supervision and direct care for youth in a residential correctional facility. Works to help youth achieve progress in learning and applying methods to identify and manage reactions to stress and trauma, and to respond in more socially appropriate ways. Uses appropriate intervention methods in response to behavioral issues to aid learning and correction of behavior. Maintains a safe environment and employs security measures when youth, staff, or others are in danger.

State of Texas benefits and retirement information can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov
. Benefits include: retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add‑on benefits include: dental, vision, optional life insurance, voluntary AD&D insurance, dependent health & life insurance, health & dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.

Works to help youth achieve progress in learning and applying methods to identify and manage reactions to stress and trauma. Interacts and engages with youth to maintain appropriate structure while exercising understanding of brain development in youth with complex trauma. Maintains healthy relationships and boundaries, consistently recognizing progress and good choices made by youth.

This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Juvenile Correctional Officers. Personnel in this career ladder receive salary adjustments upon meeting eligibility criteria until they reach the top level of the ladder. Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and education. Progression to the highest pay level is dependent upon experience and performance.

• Engages in competency‑based training in the techniques needed to coach youth under the Texas Model of trauma‑informed corrections.
• Holds youth accountable in ways that fit the level of behavior, helping youth learn socially acceptable responses.
• Uses good judgment in determining when safety is at risk and higher levels of intervention are required.
• Helps youth identify responses to stress, fear, and other triggers and work with them to increase emotional self‑regulation skills.
• Practices and models appropriate self‑regulation skills and remains calm during times of stress and crisis.
• Provides basic knowledge of each youth’s treatment plan and supports skill development to meet those goals.
• Coaches youth on how to resolve conflict with other youth and staff.
• Participates in the Youth Service Team and provides input into each youth’s treatment plan.
• Provides predictable schedules for youth, with warnings and prompts for movements and transitions, exercising independent judgment when needed.
• Implements and monitors youth activities, programs, and behaviors on an individual and group basis.
• Observes and reports daily significant behavioral and treatment‑related conditions and events.
• Provides services to potentially aggressive/combative youth, restraining when necessary and participating in debriefing conversations.
• Maintains security in buildings, grounds, and other posts; intervenes during emergencies to prevent escapes and protect safety.
• Conducts searches for contraband and health/safety hazards; performs room, property patrol, and strip searches as required.
• Supervises assigned youth during all daily activities, ensuring engagement in required activities, managing movements, and conducting headcounts.
• Maintains privacy and follows all policies, regulations, and laws regarding youth records.
• Completes and maintains required records, files, and forms accurately and timely.
• Performs a variety of related duties not listed, as determined and assigned as needed.
• Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible; completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable…