Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant

Do you have a criminal justice background or interest? Do you enjoy working with youth populations? Do you want to make a difference today with juveniles in the system? Are you not just looking for the next job or opportunity, but a career where you can learn, grow, and contribute to a retirement plan? If so, we have an opportunity for you.

The Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) is seeking positive, assertive, reliable, and confident individuals to serve as role models for youth staying in our short-term Juvenile Detention facility. Juvenile Detention Officers provide for the day-to-day direct supervision of youth detained in a 24-hour pre-adjudication detention program. Officers maintain the safety and security of detained youth, ensure the health and welfare of each juvenile, counsel clients on an individual basis, and facilitate cognitive skills groups to assist juveniles in developing appropriate coping skills and prosocial behaviors. Juvenile Detention Officers implement appropriate programs for clients and document client behavior in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable standards. The ideal candidate for this position will have a unique opportunity to serve, protect and have a positive impact on the lives of youth from various backgrounds and communities. Detention Services' mission is to provide competency development, accountability, welfare, and community protection.

The Detention Services Program provides for the detention of male and female juveniles who are awaiting disposition of their cases by the court Services are provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in a secure pre-adjudication facility. Services offered include classroom instruction by Austin Independent School District teachers, Counseling Services and recreational activities.

Please note: This position requires that you be available to work a non-traditional work schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. You are required to work any of the following shifts: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. upon hire, and the Department may reassign you to a different shift when a business need arises in order to meet operational needs:

We encourage qualified candidates to apply. We also have part time Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant positions available. Part time Juvenile Detention Officer Assistant positions supplement the full time Juvenile Detention Officers and depending on business need may work additional hours When all job qualifications are met, Juvenile Detention Officer Assistants may be considered for promotion to a regular, full-time Juvenile Detention Officer position.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the first in a series of four juvenile detention-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification assists in providing direct supervision to clients who have been placed in the juvenile detention facility by the court system. This classification performs duties of a routine type and typically performs duties with a higher-level staff member available to assist or give direction. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Assists in providing direct supervision of all client daily activities. Maintains accountability of all clients and equipment and ensures that the environment is safe, clean and secure.

• Ensures that clients are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behavior. Assists in implementing corrective discipline plans and programs, as required.

• Documents clients' behavior and enters into department computer information system.

• Monitors security and fire alarm systems, including closed circuit monitors.

• Maintains communication with facility posts.

• Maintains communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care.

• Assists in physically restraining aggressive clients using approved protocols, as required.

• Transports clients to other facilities, as required.

• May assist in providing individual and crisis intervention counseling, as required.

• May assist in facilitating cognitive skill groups and relaxation training for clients.

• May assist in investigating incidents involving clients.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements Education and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D.; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Certification as a Juvenile Detention Officer or eligible for certification within six (6) months of date of hire, including successful completion of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid and Handle with Care (state approved physical restraint techniques).

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology related to court system.

• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable juvenile justice system standards and procedures.

• Standard practices in area of assignment.

• Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.

• Standard counseling techniques.

• Safety and security techniques and standards.

• Physical restraint techniques to control aggressive behavior.

• First aid techniques.

• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

Skill in:

• Monitoring and responding to client behavior.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

• Interviewing clients.

• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

• Reason and make judgments and decisions.

• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.

• Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.

• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.

• Conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.

• Perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to stressful environment and client and customer contact for extended periods of time.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Work Hours: Shift work: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM (Must be able to work all three shifts as needed.)

Works some holidays, Works some nights, Works some weekends

Department: Juvenile Probation

Location: 2515 S. Congress Ave., Austin

Physical Exam, Drug Test, Psychological Exam Required.

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Check Required.

You must ensure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position. Only periods of employment and experience detailed in the "Work Experience" section of the application will be considered in determining which applicants move forward in the selection process, as well as determining pay level for candidate(s) recommended for hire.