TJJD - Juvenile Correctional Officer Supervisor - Mental Health Treatment Program; MHTP - Cris

Overview

Provides supervision and direct care for youth in a residential correctional facility. Works to help youth identify and manage reactions to stress and trauma and react in more socially appropriate ways. Uses appropriate intervention methods in response to behavioral issues to aid in learning and correcting behavior. Facilitates unit programming, schedule, and safety protocols. Maintains a consistent effort to ensure safe environments and employs security measures when youth, staff, or others are in danger.

Interacts and engages with youth in ways that maintain appropriate structure and demonstrate understanding of brain development in youth with complex trauma. Maintains healthy relationships and boundaries with youth and recognizes progress and good choices.

• Engages in competency-based training in techniques and capabilities needed to coach youth under the Texas Model of trauma-informed corrections.
• Holds youth accountable in ways that fit the level of behavior and supports learning of socially acceptable responses.
• Uses good judgment to determine when safety is at risk and higher levels of intervention are required.
• Assists youth in identifying responses to stress, fear, and triggers and helps learn methods to increase emotional self-regulation.
• Models and practices self-regulation skills, remaining calm during times of stress and crisis.
• Requires knowledge of each youth’s treatment plan and provides support to meet those goals using Texas Model and clinical interventions as needed.
• Coaches youth on conflict resolution and facilitates repairs with peers and staff as appropriate.
• Participates in the Youth Service Team and contributes to each youth’s treatment plan as a reliable team member.
• Provides a predictable schedule for youth, with clear warnings and prompts for movements and transitions, and exercises independent judgment when schedule changes are needed while maintaining transparency.
• Implements and monitors youth activities to support safety and development.

• Applicants must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check and any other requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications.
• Pre-Service Training Academy requirement:
  Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs) or rehired JCOs separated more than 18 months must attend the pre-service training academy and complete on-the-job training on a full-time basis. JCOs who worked for TJJD and return within 18 months are not required to attend the academy and will be placed in full-time status.
• Experience with trauma-informed care or the Texas Model is preferred to support youth rehabilitation and treatment plan goals.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, be on-call as needed, and may require overtime or occasional travel.

Career ladder opportunities exist for Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs) with progression opportunities based on experience and performance. This description reflects general responsibilities and may be subject to change.