Juvenile Corrections Officer

Job Summary

* * *IMPORTANT INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS* * *

SPOKANE COUNTY JUVENILE COURT

DEAR APPLICANT:

Thank you for considering the Spokane County Juvenile Court as a potential employer. Juvenile Court employees are directly responsible for the supervision and/or care of youth under the age of eighteen. As such, applicants undergo an extensive application and selection process as well as a thorough background investigation.

The effectiveness of the Juvenile Court is directly related to the quality of personnel employed by the Court and the level of public trust in those personnel. As a result, the following extensive application process is designed to elicit information to assist us in determining your character, suitability, and competence for the position for which you have applied.

Failure to complete the entire application, whether intentionally or unintentionally, will result in your removal from consideration.

In addition, the background investigation may include, but is not limited to: an interview(s); employer reference checks; polygraph test; criminal and driving records. Failure of any portion of the background investigation will be "cause" for removal from consideration. Upon completion of the background investigation, each candidate's suitability is reviewed by Juvenile Court Administration.

The polygraph test is conducted using the information you have submitted and the Integrity Standards for Juvenile Court. Thank you for your interest in Spokane County Juvenile Court.

Examples of Duties

(Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:)

• Serves as a positive role model for juveniles detained at the center.
• Leads group and individual discussions; teaches classes to encourage law abiding behavior; reports on behavior of youth; and works in coordination with Probation staff, Medical and Treatment staff, Teachers, Community Agencies, Judges, Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys.
• Searches (pat downs and strip) and removes personal property.
• Reviews social files and gathers information to establish criteria for admittance or release from detention; and completes the appropriate forms.
• Contacts parents, guardians, caseworker, probation counselor or parole counselor; and consults with supervisor on releases and shift problems.
• Provides orientation on facility rules and regulations.
• Provides for health, safety and recreation needs of juveniles in the Juvenile Detention Facility.
• Checks security of building, doors and windows; and maintains the safety and security of juveniles while detained.
• Oversees youth movement, including meals, showers, room clean up, school, physical training and recreational activities while maintaining safety and security for youth and staff.
• Provides positive individual and group supervision of juveniles participating in programming and attending to their needs.
• Escorts youth to and from court while providing security in court.
• Follows medical orders when dispensing medication to juvenile offenders.
• Speaks with and de-escalates youth in crisis while maintaining safety and security; intervenes in emergency or crisis situations; and uses physical restraint as necessary to restore order.
• Maintains and submits written documentation of all incidents concerning youth.
• Performs janitorial and maintenance tasks related to maintaining physical condition of building; and performs laundry duties.
• Performs admission and release functions; and maintains records.
• Serves and occasionally prepares meals; and orders kitchen food and cleaning supplies.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year working in adult corrections or with youth in a setting such as detention, probation/parole, residential care, recreation, education, community center, institutional, counseling, or a related area required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Applicants selected for Juvenile Corrections Officer positions will be required to successfully complete the two (2) week Washington State Criminal justice Training Commission Corrections Officer Academy within the first six (6) months after appointment or within their probationary period.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Food Handlers Card.
• First Aid, CPR and AED certification required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire, and successfully pass a criminal background check, polygraph test, physical examination, physical abilities test, and drug test.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of group and individual behavior patterns of youth.
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
• Skilled in basic computer word processing and data entry.
• Skilled in group dynamics, diplomacy and persuasion.
• Skilled in writing clear, concise and accurate documentation.
• Ability to read, comprehend and enforce, in a positive manner, facility rules and regulations;
• Ability to intervene in a crisis situation and use physical restraint to restore order and calm residents.
• Ability to communicate orally with youth and parents in a manner that will gain their respect and confidence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, all elements of the criminal justice system, social and community agencies and the public.
• Ability to follow established policies and procedures.
• Ability to be a positive role model to detained youth and convey a professional image in appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to strictly adhere to professional boundaries, Juvenile Court and County policies and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to shift work, including day, evening and weekend hours.