Detention Officer I

This position is advertised from the minimum to the mid-point hourly rate. Salary will be determined based on education and experience at the time of offer. 

**Applications are sought on behalf of the Juvenile Justice Center in Yuma County. Yuma County Human Resources does not review any applications submitted for this position. All applications are forwarded to Juvenile Justice Center Human Resources in Yuma County.** 

NATURE OF WORK
Under close supervision performs security work of routine difficulty, provides care and ensures the safety of juveniles in a detention center; observes behavior, and maintains the orderly conduct of detainees and visitors; supervises and protects detainees according to policies, procedures and regulations.

(Illustrative Only) Oversees the safety and security of the detainees, visitors, staff, and detention facility; monitors behavior of detainees, promotes acceptable attitude and accountability, and encourages rehabilitation techniques in accordance with Federal, State, County, and related laws; provides care, custody and control of detainees according to policies, procedures and regulations; maintains constant observation of detainee activities, keeps accurate records of activities, and maintains discipline; may physically restrain disorderly detainees and take steps necessary to control the environment, watches detainees for rule violations and behavioral changes; de-escalates potentially violent situations; processes initial bookings by completing paperwork, frisks and strip searches detainees to detect weapons and contraband, assesses hygiene needs, issues clothing, property inventory, and enters data into the computer system in accordance to statutory requirement; processes detainee’s releases; provides direct supervision to juveniles in custody; assists in transport of detainees to court, school, medical appointments/services and other trips to and from the facility; provides effective role modeling and mentoring to juveniles in the facility; implements and delivers programs to juveniles, supporting detention philosophy, goals and objectives; conducts inspections, security checks, and searches; serves meals and advises supervisor of detainee medical attention needs; participates in the investigation of incidents to include grievances; responds to and manages emergencies, life-threatening and hazardous situations, restrains combative, suicidal or mentally disturbed detainees; prepares and maintains chronological logs and records of facility and detainee activity; facilitates education and life skills programming in detention pods and classrooms; operates computer to enter and retrieve detainee information; operates radio communications equipment and office equipment; administers first aid procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillation (AED); may testify in court proceedings; completes and maintains a variety of files and records, both written and electronically; assists in the coordination of resources within and those in contact with the detention center; works a rotating shift with rotating schedules; maintains regular and reliable attendance; maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of all information and material encountered within performing duties; monitors external grounds; identifies potential breaches to security; cleans and/or oversees routine cleaning of housing units; performs related duties as required or assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent; must be at least 21 years of age;

One of the following: one year of experience in law enforcement, social services, group homes or closely related area; Associates Degree in Social Services, Criminal Justice OR a closely related field.

Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license; this classification requires the applicant to pass pre-employment testing; criminal background checks; a record check with the Department of Child and Family Services for any substantiated reports; physical, psychological, polygraph examination, and a drug test prior to appointment; this classification requires pre-employment and random drug testing; successfully complete the Yuma County Juvenile Court Detention Officer Field Training and the Arizona State Detention Officer Academy within 1 year of employment; will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and some overtime, as scheduled; subject to immediate callout when an emergency exists; demonstrates commitment to the Juvenile Court’s strategic plan, mission statement and departmental goals; employees of this classification are required to obtain certification in CPR, First Aid, Van Safety, and Defensive Driving within the first six months of employment; employees of this classification must maintain all certifications stated above; the above information is intended to describe the general nature of this position and is not to be considered a complete statement of requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend and sit for prolonged periods of time and/or drive a vehicle.  Will be required to stand and walk for at least half of their scheduled work shift. Manual dexterity to reach, and grasp; manual dexterity to handwrite or use computer keyboard; vision sufficient to see and read; hear and speak to communicate with customers in person and over the phone; lifting up to 50 pounds, unloading, pushing and carrying small files/objects to and from various locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed inside the confinement of a juvenile detention facility, and/or office setting; will be required to drive throughout Yuma County and State.  

The essential duties and responsibilities (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities ACT) included in this job description are illustrative only and are not a comprehensive listing of all functions, tasks, or duties performed by positions in this class.  An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.  

Knowledge of: applicable State of Arizona statutes, rules, administrative orders, operational policies and procedures, Federal rules and requirements; Superior Court and Yuma County policies and procedures; identifying and implementing operational standards; basic principles and practices of supervision of detainees; prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements; state Detention Standards; record keeping, case and file management/maintenance; community resources and services.

Skills in: working under pressure in a highly dynamic environment with changing program demands and priorities; legal terminology and functions of the court as necessary; working under pressure, handling problems and tasks that develop unexpectedly; operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications; analyzing critical situations, detect problems and make sound objective decisions.

Ability To: Observe or monitor objects, data and/or behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards; work under pressure, handle problems and tasks that develop unexpectedly; support working relationships with a diverse group of individuals that include judges, court staff, litigants, attorneys, detainees, their families and the general public.; follow written and verbal instructions including the ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material and produce written documentation with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar; comply with Superior Court Judicial Merit Rules, Administrative Procedures and Department Regulations; follow written and oral instructions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.