Juvenile Detention Officer

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Detention Officer to join our team at the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center. As a Detention Officer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of detained juveniles, while also providing guidance and support to help them develop positive attitudes and behaviors.

• Supervise and maintain control of detained juveniles during all activities, including cleaning, classes, meals, and recreation.
• Prevent escapes, suicide attempts, and violent behavior among juveniles.
• Conduct regular visual checks on residents, documenting each check.
• Process new juveniles, including searching them, logging and storing their belongings, and issuing necessary linens and clothing.
• Screen referred juveniles and make decisions regarding detention or release based on statute and department procedure.
• Observe residents to analyze their needs and address them on an individual and/or group basis.
• Assist residents in developing a healthy and positive attitude about themselves through individual and group counseling and discussion.
• Remain alert and aware of group dynamics, confronting crisis situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Administer disciplinary action in a fair and consistent manner, honoring and enforcing disciplinary consequences issued by previous shifts.
• Report unusual behavior of juveniles to the Lead Detention Counselor, taking appropriate measures and documenting such actions.
• Initiate and maintain current records/files on residents, making precise and well-written notes and reports.
• Participate in group meetings to orient residents to behavioral expectations and schedules.
• Report to Mental Health Counselors any unusual occurrences during shifts.
• Perform room searches to control contraband, facility defacing, and maintenance needs, taking appropriate action and documenting as needed.
• Perform frisk and strip searches when necessary to control contraband.
• Receive, screen, and log incoming and outgoing telephone calls, transferring calls and taking messages as needed.
• Log visitors and oversee those visiting detained juveniles.
• Provide parents with information regarding residents' behavior and circumstances.
• Analyze and evaluate facility procedures, submitting ideas for improvements.
• Show initiative in organizing and implementing new activities for residents' enjoyment.
• Ensure the detention facility is maintained in a neat and clean manner by organizing residents in regular cleanup activities.
• Perform housekeeping duties as needed, including upkeep of staff and public areas and immediate outside perimeter.
• Transport meals to the facility and serve meals and snacks, following acceptable food handling practices.
• Perform duties specific to shift, as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate plus six months of experience working with youth in an organized setting.
• Other acceptable experience may include corrections or law enforcement, employment in a residential setting, recreation programs, military experience, or teaching.

• Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to this position, such as psychology, sociology, education, or criminal justice.

• Must obtain and maintain certification as a Detention Officer by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within three months of employment.
• Must complete courses in CPR and Emergency First Aid.
• Must complete approved restraint training within 30 days of employment.
• Must have a current driver's license.