Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play.

**This posting is subject to close without prior notification.**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this job is to ensure the physical and emotional care, security and safety of juveniles in the temporary custody of the Durham County Youth Home.

This position works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks..

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals;
• This position acts as the shift supervisor on duty and is responsible for the supervision of line staff;
• Receives and processes juveniles admitted to the Youth Home;
• Ensures that admission and release procedures are conducted properly and that appropriate documentation and signatures are secured. Plan individual and /or group counseling sessions for juveniles;
• Assesses juveniles needs and develops written treatment plans for those who remain in detention more than 7 days;
• Monitors behavior and hygiene and communicates with court counselors, police, parents and other community representatives;
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards;
• Monitors status of work in progress;
• Inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed;
• Provides employees, student interns, volunteer groups and residents are properly trained in security protocols and follows procedures;
• Provides detailed, clear and concise documentation and reports. Ensures all relevant information is communicated;
• Uses behavioral management techniques, counseling, crisis intervention, monitoring, and security checks to carry out their detention work;
• Plans, secure resources, and implement a variety of educational, recreational, and life skills activities to meet the needs of the Youth Home;
• Monitors activities to make sure programs are conducted on schedule and run smoothly;
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of juvenile detention.
• General knowledge of the behavior problems of juveniles.
• Ability to supervise the care of juveniles who are ill or who react violently to detention.
• Ability to counsel juveniles in a transient environment.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to deal tactfully yet firmly with juveniles, their parents, and the public.
• Ability to organize and supervise the work of the Youth Home staff and possess the physical strength sufficient to restrain unruly juveniles.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field from an appropriately accredited college or university.

One year of experience working with juveniles in a structured environment which includes at least six months of experience in a lead worker or supervisory capacity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, digging, stretching, pushing, lifting, and raising objects all the time and also involves exerting between 50 and 100 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
• Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• All applicants must be US citizens and at least 20 years of age.
• Employment is contingent of passing a physical examination, positive background check and negative drug test results. Applicant must successfully pass and complete Basic Training within the first year of employment.

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer