Juvenile Detention Officer

This position provides care, custody, supervision and security for youths being held in the detention center, and provides support for the efficient and effective operation of the center. It also performs general cleaning/custodian duties to ensure sanitary conditions of the holding facilities. This position interacts with the juvenile residents of the detention center, promoting an atmosphere of order and respect. By assignment or rotation amongst the staff, this position oversees juvenile work crews. All essential duties are performed in a coordinated and collaborative manner by all detentions officers on each shift.

Now filling Part-time AND Full-time openings.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance 
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County:

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work.  Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas. 

1. Screen juveniles to determine if they should be admitted and detained and/or released to parent(s), guardian, or other agency.
2. Notify the parent(s) and/or guardians of juveniles admitted to detention.Provide them guidance and information.
3. Perform required searches, screenings, and property inventories of residents being admitted to detention.
4. Supervise the showering of residents being admitted or detained in detention.
5. Oversee the juvenile work crew, and supervise residents performing community service work and other work around the detention center.
6. Provide for safety and security within the detention center, which may include the use of physical force to restrain juveniles.Maintain continuous alertness to potential security violations and a readiness to respond appropriately to such violations.
7. Conduct regular searches of the residents' living areas to identify contraband and vandalism, and determine if personal safety rules violations exist.Ensure the security of residents' personal property as well as public property.
8. Maintain discipline among juveniles, and ensure compliance with established procedures, policies and behavioral rules; take appropriate disciplinary action when violations occur.Report violations of the law to the appropriate individuals or law enforcement agencies.
9. Prepare observation, incident, and behavior reports to include in the juvenile's case file and for use by other detention staff, Probation Counselors and police officers.
10. Admit and supervise visitors, and oversee visiting hours.Supervise volunteers engaged in activities within the center.
11. Transport resident juveniles to/from scheduled appointments (eg. medical, dental, counseling) and to court hearings.Perform meal pick-up and transport from vendor to the juvenile facility, including loading and unloading the meal carts.
12. Provide crisis counseling for the residents and their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) when appropriate.
13. Attend and participate in staff meetings, and provide recommendations for overall improvement.
14. Attend such training as may be deemed appropriate to maintain or upgrade skills related to the job of Detention Officer.
15. Perform other duties as assigned by lead detention officers or by the detention manager.

1. Two (2) years of college (equivalent to at least 90 credits) or Associate Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field.(Note:At the discretion of the employer, we may substitute relevant experience and training in lieu of part or the entire educational requirement.)
2. Possess (or attain after employment) and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
3. Successfully complete the Juvenile Correction Personnel Academy (including passing the admission Physical Ability Test) within the first six months of employment.(Note: This is not a requirement for Part-Time Detention Officers.)
4. Able to use reasonable physical force to restrain residents and respond to security violations.
5. Pass a full criminal background investigation as required by the Children/Adult Abuse Information Act.Successfully complete and pass a polygraph test and psychological profile.
6. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
7. Have the ability to work all shifts and weekends; dayshift, swing shift, graveyard shift.
8. Be 21 years old or older.

1. Possess good interpersonal skills to courteously deal with the general public, and effectively deal with stressful situations.
2. Develop and maintain effective working relationships and communication lines with department staff, supervisor, other county employees, and other local and state agencies.
3. Skillfully conduct incident investigations and interviews, collect and assess information, and to make fair judgments.
4. Develop supervisory relations with the youth, asserting respect and leadership, enforcing work rules and safety practices.
5. Effectively work in a team environment with shift staff to ensure efficiency, and collaborate to enhance team effectiveness.
6. Effectively organize work and set priorities, paying attention to detail and taking initiative toward effective policies/procedures.
7. Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing.Portray a professional image and attitude.
8. Maintain confidentiality of restricted or private, case and youth information, and effectively handle sensitive matters.
9. Skillfully supervise youth with legal and psycho-social problems, avoiding over-reaction to provocation and maintain control in stressful situations.
    

Salary : $56,412 - $66,348