Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer

Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer

The Juvenile Detention Assessment Officer plays a critical role in the Maricopa County Juvenile Court and Probation Department. This position ensures the appropriate and lawful taking of physical custody of minors from both law enforcement and others for possible admission to the secure detention center and conducts similar decision making regarding custodial release. This team of individuals are the primary support for around the clock (24/7), on-site delivery of public safety information and decisions, exercising sound judgement in making custody detainment decisions and allowing release without a court appearance.

Day, evening, and night shift work is required on a regular and rotating basis and includes working holidays and weekends.

The Juvenile Probation Department of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient juvenile justice services grounded in evidenced-based practices and research. These services improve the safety of our community, hold youth accountable through a developmentally appropriate orientation, and ensure the public's trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. Join our Juvenile Probation Department in its mission to promote public safety through positive change as we connect youth to the community and provide opportunities that are delivered with fairness, dignity and respect.

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:

• Associate's degree or the completion of 60 semester credit hours from an academically accredited college or university, and
• Three (3) years of experience in probation, juvenile detention, correctional, adolescent behavioral setting, or a similar setting.

Combined

Education and Experience

Qualifications:

• An equivalent combination of post-secondary education and job-related experience in probation, juvenile detention, correctional, or an adolescent behavioral setting may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by time of hire
• Candidates will be required to successfully complete a background/reference check, polygraph, and pre-employment psychological evaluation prior to hire
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License at the time of hire.
• Positions in Detention are subject to Tuberculosis (TB) testing. All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of new employee processing and a negative TB result prior to the start date.
• Successfully complete Detention Academy including physical restraint training (Handle With Care).

Our Preferred Candidate Has:

• Bachelor's degree
• Juvenile detention experience
• Familiarity with Arizona laws and rules applicable to juveniles

Knowledge of:

• The principles of positive youth development and engagement
• The methods of effective writing and communication
• Applicable laws and regulations such as Arizona State Detention Standards and PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting documents such as police reports, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Effective, thorough, and accurate documentation
• Making and guiding procedural decisions on sensitive and confidential issues
• Maintaining confidential information
• Effective problem resolution
• Effective verbal and written communication, including preparation of reports and sensitive documents
• Organization and time management
• Assessing crisis situations, diffusing emotional conditions and offering solutions and resources

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, and independently problem-solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.
• Use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situations, and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
• Utilize computer and appropriate programs (Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Techcare, Juvenile Case Management System, iCIS, etc.) to accurately complete work.
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships.
• Coordinate and prioritize work activities.
• Effectively communicate with the leadership team, families, and stakeholders
• Remain in control of emotions and remain calm during stressful situations.
• Apply principles and methods of correctional supervision and casework
• Follow department policies, procedures, and protocols
• Demonstrate a positive, open, and objective attitude towards others
• Demonstrate flexibility by readily modifying, responding to, and integrating change with minimal personal resistance
• Engage others in a constructive two-way conversation, to demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy, empathy, and tolerance
• Appropriately engage in, establish, and maintain relationships with diverse populations of co-workers and detained youth

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