Juvenile Detention Officer; Non-Regular

Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officer

Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable candidate for a Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officer position. Juvenile Detention Officers supervise, monitor, and provide care for juvenile offenders and other court involved youth confined in a secure confinement facility, and in detention sponsored programs outside of detention. They provide direction of juvenile activities; monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions of juvenile detention;

record observations of juveniles for input to probation counselors and other individuals and agencies working with court involved youth. In this role you will operate the electronic security system, operate walk-through magnetometer screening devices, conduct intake and release procedures with juvenile detainees, perform critical need assessment of juvenile detainees, and safety/security classifications.

Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officers shall be available to work non-standard workhours, weekends, and holidays. No guarantee of hours per week/month. Hours are scheduled by availability and seniority. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Instruct juveniles and family members on the procedures and regulations of the facility ad monitors visiting hours.
• Prepares detainees for detention school programs and provides transportation services.
• Provides emotional support to juveniles; makes recommendations to probation counselors or appropriate medical professionals.
• Documents incidents, recommends, and directs the use of sanctions and behavior modification techniques in response to and for redirecting inappropriate behaviors.
• When authorized, conducts use of physical force within the detention facility, and assists as necessary in the restraint and movement of combative detainees.
• Performs immediate basic first aid as required.
• As medically prescribed, supervises distribution of medications to juveniles.
• Readies juveniles for court appearances.

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment – Work is performed in a 24-hour/7-day confined, maximum security facility. Exposure to physical danger from high-risk juvenile offenders may be present. Physical exertion is required for lifting up to 50 lbs. Requires prolonged periods of standing and/or sitting, and walking around the secured facility. Negotiation skills are constantly challenged in maintaining the control, cooperation, and safety of detained individuals.
• Schedule
  - Random. Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officers will be asked to work non-standard workhours, weekends, holidays and partial shifts no less than four hours. No guarantee of hours per week/month. Hours are scheduled by availability and seniority.
• Customer Interactions
  - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with in custody youth, Thurston County staff, and the public.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Detention employees will successfully complete a training program in Proper Use nonphysical Force (Defensive Tactics) once each year.
• Must pass a background investigation through provided identification and fingerprints; including but not limited to: driving record, work history, education and criminal history.
• Must possess, or obtain upon hire, a valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License

Desired

Skills:

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a criminal justice, psychology, or other closely related field is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with troubled youth.
• Specialized education and/or training in providing social skills training geared toward youth learning styles.
• Positive attitude.

Thurston County is an equal opportunity employer.