Juvenile Detention Specialist, Juvenile Detention Center

Juvenile Detention Specialist

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the position of Juvenile Detention Specialist assigned to the Juvenile Detention Center. The Juvenile Detention Specialist performs generalized corrections work in the care, custody, and control of juvenile detainees.

Please note:

selected applicant will be assigned to a night shift position. Required document: each applicant must complete a notarized background investigation waiver. Failure to submit this document will disqualify your application. Applications must be submitted before the closing date of July 7, 2026.

The duties listed below are in addition to the duties assigned under the associated job description. The omission of specific work statements does not necessarily exclude them from being performed by the position and is for illustrative purposes only. Reference Juvenile Detention Specialist via job descriptions.

Processes detention intake and releases; responsible for searching detainees. Searches and removes all unauthorized personal articles and contraband from detainees. Exercises reasonable and/or special care or action, as the need dictates or as directed, in handling special or unusual detainees. Escorts detainees using handcuffs, approves physical techniques, and other approved restraints.

Effectively control the juvenile admitted to the facility, using maneuvers and techniques taught in training by the approved physical training curriculum.

Pursue fleeing detainees and perform rescue operations and other duties which may involve quickly entering and exiting secured areas; lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects; climbing up to and down from elevated surfaces; jumping over obstacles; crawling in confined areas; and using the approved physical techniques to gain entrance or subdue resisting detainees.

Perform rescue functions in accidents within the facility, emergencies, and disasters, including standing for long periods, administering basic emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from confined areas.

Communicate effectively and coherently with other officers, community partners, and juveniles using existing communications systems, and demonstrate communications skills in court and other formal settings as required.

May be required to drive the Sheriff's Office vehicles in the transportation of juveniles.

Must understand and adhere to the standards of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

Performs other duties as required or as may be necessary for the efficient and effective performance of the position functions.

Applicant must have a High School Diploma/GED; an Associate's Degree preferred. Applicant must have one (1) year of responsible work experience, which involves law enforcement-related duties or dealing with youth, preferred. Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of related training, education, and experience. Applicant must be able to complete PAR training within six (6) months of employment or assignment to this position.

Internal applicants must have completed the Seminole County Sheriff's Office one (1) year probationary period. Applicant must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Regular and prompt attendance is mandatory in the performance of an employee's duties for this position, to include scheduled work hours, required training activities, calls for mandatory overtime needs, and calls for service during times of an emergency. Knowledge of Sheriff's Office rules and regulations as applied to juvenile detention centers, and of interviewing and counseling techniques. Ability to work independently without constant supervision;

to communicate both orally and in writing; to understand interpret and implement policies, law and procedures in regards to Florida Statute Chapter 985; to plan, organize, prioritize and coordinate work assignments; to analyze information or situations; synthesize information and/or circumstances; solve problems; recall facts and/or information; describe persons, things, and/or events; read and comprehend…