Juvenile Service Officer

JUVENILE SERVICE OFFICER

Under the general supervision of the Shift Supervisor or designee, performs a variety of semi-skilled administrative and supervisory work for the juveniles detained or on release requiring moderate responsibility and independent judgment.

Coordinate, direct and monitor the daily activities of juveniles in the Holdover Facility. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the general public. Maintain security, order and discipline to prevent disturbance, escapes and ensure the safety of residents, staff and the community. Perform intake and orientation functions according to established procedures including interviewing, booking and establishing criteria for admittance or release from detention.

Search and remove personal property from detained youth providing approved clothing and hygiene articles and bed assignments. Maintain documentation of behavioral incidents and observation of residents and monitor residents physical location at all times. Review resident information from the previous shift and report activities to next shift. Ensure documentation (e.g., behavior, evaluations, booking sheets, etc.) on residents is up to date and accessible to staff.

Ensure visitors are authorized and monitor activities during visiting hours, searching detainees after visitation. Respond to calls and route or handle detainee requests. Release juveniles and returns personal property according to established procedures. Maintain and enforce security procedures for youth and staff. Resolve differences and disagreements among youths, and intervene in youth altercations. Restrain youths and deals with behavior problems as necessary in accordance with prescribed guidelines.

Conduct searches of youth and rooms to locate contraband, and conducts night perimeter checks to identify unusual situations and ensure building security. Observe youth behavior and maintain awareness of juvenile's emotional and physical needs including, but not limited to, signs of depression, suicide, disturbances or escape plans. Complete documentation as needed for any incidents or damage that occurs. Control noise level, behavior, and diffuse potentially escalating situations.

Expose youth to adaptive and social skills training, and teaches and mentors responsibility and self-control and ensures youth attend required educational classes. Maintain "watch sheet" for designated clients who are identified as high risk (acting out behavior, medical conditions, etc.) reporting any unusual behavior, conditions or activities to the supervisor. Coordinate, direct, and monitor individual and group activities and appointments (e.g., mealtime, court appearance, medical appointments, recreation, group leisure, classroom education/training, work assignments, etc.).

May escort detainees off campus to appointments, court dates or for other matters. Demonstrate and provide environment that promotes accountability and appropriate consequences for delinquent behavior. Monitor medication intake and alert nurse to any detainee medical issue. Respond to medical emergencies, consult with supervisor, and take appropriate action in strict accordance with establish procedures.

Review rules with parent/guardian of juvenile and ensure understanding prior to being placed in the program. Communicate regularly with parents and assist the family in establishing effective communication, structure and discipline. Prepare reports on each client in the CARE Program. Collect specimens as needed to screen for substance abuse. Establish and monitor tracking equipment for each client in the program based on…