Juvenile Detention Officer

Brief Description

Department:
Juvenile Detention

Position Control Number: 0425-

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation:
This position is designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:
Yes

Opening Date:
February 24, 2026

Closing Date:
March 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job‑related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.

Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Responsible for the supervision, control, and safety of juveniles detained in the Pulaski County Juvenile Detention facility and the maintenance of related records and reports.

• Receives juveniles from various law enforcement agencies and verifies proper paperwork is provided for legal detainment.
• Interviews juveniles to obtain basic personal information and medical history; completes intake paperwork.
• Explains policies and procedures of Juvenile Detention Center to juveniles.
• Performs necessary searches and seizures of weapons and illegal substances as required by law.
• Ensures proper storage of personal clothing and property.
• Distributes clothing and personal hygiene items to juveniles as required.
• Notifies juveniles’ families/guardians of admission to the Juvenile Detention Center.
• Monitors juveniles’ visitation according to departmental policy.
• Observes juveniles on a constant basis according to Departmental guidelines ensuring compliance with security standards.
• Conducts established recreational programs with juveniles.
• Transports juveniles to and from courts, treatment and diagnostic units, and other facilities in accordance with security policy.
• Completes daily and weekly facility reports, incident reports, court lists, daily intake logs, and other records as required.
• Transports laundry, food trays, and other supplies from appropriate county facilities to the detention center.
• Responds to emergencies or disciplinary problems with juveniles according to pre-established department rules.
• Cleans detention facilities as assigned.
• Conducts daily room searches.

• Performs other related duties as required.

None

Work is performed primarily within a controlled detention environment. Interaction with hostile and/or agitated juveniles is required. Occasional transporting of youth to other facilities is required. Shift assignment may change as directed by the supervisor. Occasional trips to various locations for training are required.

• Good knowledge of juvenile standards and policies regulating detention facilities.
• Good knowledge of communication and guidance techniques for dealing with youth.
• Good knowledge of Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret all applicable departmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to react effectively in an emergency.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with juveniles, law enforcement officials, and the public.
• Ability to complete in‑service training on rules and regulations governing juvenile detention facilities.
• Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
• Skill in the…