TJJD - Juvenile Correctional Officer II-III-IV - Halfway HTA

General Description

Provides direct supervision and care for youth in a community-based halfway house facility and ensures the safety and security of the youth, staff, and the public. Works to help youth achieve progress in learning and applying methods to identify and manage reactions to stress and trauma and react in more socially appropriate ways. Uses appropriate intervention methods in response to behavioral issues that seeks to aid in learning and correcting behavior.

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 both maintain appropriate structure and exercise understanding of brain development in youth with complex trauma. Maintains healthy relationships and boundaries with youth and consistently recognizes progress and good choices made by youth.

Work involves facilitating youth rehabilitation, supervising youth, and coaching their personal development in accordance with individualized treatment plans; facility maintenance, cleanliness, sanitation, and youth hygiene; monitoring compliance with applicable policies and procedures; and completing required forms. Works assigned shift, is subject to being on call, and may be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week. Occasional travel may be required.

This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Juvenile Correctional Officers. Personnel in this career ladder have the working title of Juvenile Correctional Officer – Halfway House (JCO). JCOs receive career ladder salary adjustments upon meeting established eligibility criteria per agency policy (PRS.
15.08) 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 on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.

• Newly hired JCOs or re‑ired JCOs who have been separated more than 18 months will be required to attend the pre‑service training academy and complete on‑the‑job training on a full‑time basis.
• JCOs who have worked for TJJD and return to employment within 18 months of their separation date will not have to attend the pre‑service academy and will be placed in full‑time status on their date of employment.

• Juvenile Correctional Officer II and – Halfway House:
  Performs moderately complex (journey-level) work under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Juvenile Correctional Officer III and – Halfway House:
  Performs complex (journey-level) work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Juvenile Correctional Officer IV and – Halfway House:
  Performs highly complex (senior-level) work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

• Engages in competency‑based training in the 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, seeking to help youth to learn socially acceptable responses and approaches.
• Uses good judgment in determining when safety is at risk and higher levels of intervention are required.
• Helps youth to identify their responses to stress, fear, and other triggers and works with the youth to learn ways to increase emotional self‑regulation skills.
• Practices and models appropriate self‑regulation skills and remains calm during times of stress and crisis.
• Gains a basic knowledge of each youth’s treatment plan and provides support in learning the skills needed to meet those goals.
• Coaches youth on how to resolve conflict with other youth and staff as appropriate.
• Participates in the Youth Service Team and provides input into each youth’s treatment plan; is a responsible and supportive team member, who understands that an effective team is composed of reliable people who provide backup and support for their fellow…