Juvenile Detention Officer

Join the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center team as a Juvenile Supervision Officer and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of detained juveniles.

The Juvenile Supervision Officer is responsible for supervising and maintaining control during all activities of detained juveniles, preventing escapes, suicide attempts, and violent behavior. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to think and react quickly in crisis situations.

• Supervise and maintain control during all activities of detained juveniles, including cleaning, classes, meals, and recreation.
• Prevent escapes, suicide attempts, and violent behavior among detained juveniles.
• Conduct regular visual checks on residents, documenting each check.
• Process new juveniles, including searching them, logging and storing their belongings, and preparing necessary paperwork.
• Screen referred juveniles and make decisions regarding their 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.
• 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 all incoming and outgoing telephone calls, transferring calls and taking messages as needed.
• Log any person entering or leaving the facility and oversee visitors who come to see detained juveniles.
• Provide parents with appropriate information regarding residents' behavior and circumstances.
• Analyze and evaluate present 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, and washing clothes and linens.
• Transport meals to the facility and serve meals and snacks, following acceptable food handling practices.
• Perform duties specific to the shift, as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

• Must be age 21 or older.
• 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 fields relevant to this position, such as psychology, sociology, education, or criminal justice.

• Must successfully complete training required to 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.