Juvenile Detention Officer

This is an open continuous recruitment process.


Year one starting salary:      $13.89 hourly plus benefits
Year two salary:                    $14.59
Year three salary:                 $15.32

Successful candidates must pass an extensive background investigation (including references, fingerprinting and criminal history check), a physical with a drug screen, and psychological evaluation.  Additionally, education must be verified.

A Juvenile Detention Officer (JDO) is responsible for the safety and well-being of youth referred to the Juvenile Court Detention Center. A JDO develops positive working relationships with youth; monitors and maintains a structured, caring, safe, healthy, and learning environment for detainees; and monitors and maintains security and control of the structured detention environment.

• Implements and delivers programs to youth, supporting detention philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Provides effective role modeling and mentoring to youth in the facility.
• Instructs youths on various skills for future use and success, such as anger management, filling out employment applications, and understanding employment processes.
• Observes the behaviors of youth and situations that occur, recalls facts and prepares written reports.
• Monitors the detention facility to ensure a safe environment for both the youths and staff.
• Observes and ensures security for the facility in accordance with unit procedures and institutional practices.
• Determines detainee rule infractions, takes appropriate action, and reports violations and incidents.
• Maintains rosters and daily logs, and prepares incident, discipline and progress reports.
• Performs in processing of new youth detainees, which includes a safety and security check of their person and property.  Follows in-processing procedures and orients the youths to the booking procedure.
• Escorts youth to and from courtrooms and throughout the facility.
• Drives a court vehicle to transport youth to various appointments external to the center.
• Reacts to physical confrontations and emergency situations quickly and effectively using sanctioned defensive tactics skills.
• Applies restraining techniques requiring physical strength and coordination when necessary.
• Assists other officers who are involved with detained youth.

Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. certificate.  Preference may be given to those with work experience with adolescent youth ages 8-18 and/or volunteer experience such as coaching/mentoring youth ages 8-18.

Please answer the supplemental question.  To be considered, please fill out your application completely.  Include the reasons you left previous employment.  Incomplete applications may not be considered.



COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The court offers new Juvenile Detention Officers a two-year salary increase schedule, as shown above.  To be eligible, the new officer needs to successfully complete their initial one-year probationary period and perform satisfactorily during their second year of employment.  (Please note -- the Court at its discretion may discontinue any advertised compensation program at any time.)  Additionally, shift differentials are available.  Employees receive quality benefits such as health, dental and vision coverage, generous vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, retirement plans, life insurance, employer match to health savings contribution and various pre-tax saving opportunities. For more information on benefits offered click here.
 
Full-time employees of government organizations may be able to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  For more information click here.

 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:    
A valid Arizona Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS: 
Typically performs duties in a secure institution and may lift a detainee, materials, or equipment of 50 lbs or less.  Incumbents are required to stand and walk for at least half of their scheduled work shift and physically required to bend, reach, kneel, crouch, crawl and stoop.