Juvenile Detention Officer

DeKalb Health; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulaski County Juvenile Detention facility in Little Rock, AR seeks a dedicated individual to supervise custody and safety of juveniles, while maintaining detailed records and reports.

The role includes intake processing, conducting interviews, enforcing policies, handling searches, coordinating transport, and overseeing visitation in a security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent; some experience with juveniles.
• Knowledge of detention facility standards and PREA considerations.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records and reports.

Responsibilities

• Receives juveniles from law enforcement and verifies paperwork for detainment.
• Interviews juveniles to collect personal information and medical history; completes intake forms.
• Explains detention center policies to juveniles.
• Performs searches for weapons and illegal substances as required by law.
• Maintains storage of clothing and personal property; distributes items as needed.
• Notifies families/guardians of admissions and manages visitation monitoring.
• Transports juveniles to courts and other facilities per security policy.
• Completes daily/weekly facility reports, logs, and related records.
• Responds to emergencies or disciplinary issues per department rules.
• Conducts daily room searches.

Skills

Juvenile detention standards

Communication

Emergency response

Interviewing juveniles

Record-keeping

Law enforcement liaison

Adaptability under stress

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

• Base Pay $37,754.86 - $49,676.90 / Year
• Employee Type Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Phone [phone]

Position Control Number: 0425-

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test: Yes

Opening Date: September 24, 2026

Closing Date: October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the supervision, control, and safety of juveniles detained in the Pulaski County Juvenile Detention facility and the maintenance of related records and reports.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives juveniles from various law enforcement agencies and verifies proper paperwork is provided for legal detainment.
• Interviews juveniles to obtain basic personal information and medical history; completes intake paperwork.
• Explains policies and procedures of Juvenile Detention Center to juveniles.
• Performs necessary searches and seizures of weapons and illegal substances as required by law.
• Ensures proper storage of personal clothing and property.
• Distributes clothing and personal hygiene items to juveniles as required.
• Notifies juveniles’ families/guardians of admission to the Juvenile Detention Center.
• Monitors juveniles’ visitation according to departmental policy.
• Observes juveniles on a constant basis according to Departmental guidelines ensuring compliance with security standards.
• Conducts established recreational programs with juveniles.
• Transports juveniles to and from courts, treatment and diagnostic units, and other facilities in accordance with security policy.
• Completes daily and weekly facility reports, incident reports, court lists, daily intake logs, and other records as required.
• Transports laundry, food trays, and other supplies from appropriate county facilities to the detention center.
• Responds to emergencies or disciplinary problems with juveniles according to pre-established department rules.
• Conducts daily room searches.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED:

None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily within a controlled detention environment. Interaction with hostile and/or agitated juveniles is required. Occasional transporting of youth to other facilities is required. Shift assignment may change as directed by the supervisor. Occasional trips to various locations for training are required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Good knowledge of juvenile standards and policies regulating detention facilities.
• Good knowledge of communication and guidance techniques for dealing with youth.
• Good knowledge of Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret all applicable departmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to react effectively in an emergency.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with juveniles, law enforcement officials, and the public.
• Ability to complete in-service training on rules and regulations governing juvenile detention facilities.
• Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
• Skill in the operation of a computer.
• Skill in conducting interviews with juveniles for information gathering purposes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate information in person and by telephone.
• Digital dexterity is necessary for keyboard operation and written documentation.
• Visual acuity is needed for use of a computer screen and surveillance of juvenile activities and center conditions.
• Ability to restrain juveniles when needed.
• Ability to vertically lift 40 pounds from the floor to the waist and carry 10 feet.
• Ability to vertically lift 50 pounds and hold at chest level for 30 seconds.
• Ability to push and pull 100 pounds for 20 feet.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of high school or GED equivalency; some experience working with juveniles; or any equivalent combination of experience or training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check (no previous felony convictions), motor vehicle report, child maltreatment check, physical examination, and psychological evaluation.
• In addition to pre-employment checks, employees who operate county vehicles are required to undergo an annual motor vehicle report.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment and annual Human Performance Evaluation by an appropriate licensed agency.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Must possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas driver's license.
• Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Must be able to work overtime and work variable shifts.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• PREFER Experience working with at-risk youth and/or individuals who are housed in a residential setting.

Summary

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to [e-mail] or call [phone].