Juvenile Detention Officer I

Cowlitz County; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowlitz County is seeking a Detention Officer I to operate the center’s 24/7 control room, monitor security and communication systems, and manage access to restricted areas. You will verify IDs, log visitors, and respond to incidents under supervision to maintain safety.

Required readiness for all shifts, CPR/First Aid, background checks, and a valid driver’s license. Two years of college or related education is preferred, with on-the-job training provided.

Qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certifications must be current.
• Pass a full criminal background investigation with polygraph and psychological profile.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work all shifts and weekends (days, swing, graveyard).
• Be 21 years old or older.
• Two years of college/Associate Degree preferred; relevant experience may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the control room and visitor logs for each shift.
• Validate identification of authorized guests prior to facility entry.
• Verify juveniles’ identification and admission reason at lobby.
• Deny entry to unauthorized persons or vehicles and notify supervisor.
• Direct authorized guests to assigned spaces within the facility.
• Maintain vigilance with direct line of sight or remote monitoring.
• Monitor interior/perimeter cameras and intercoms; notify detention personnel as needed.
• Answer calls and provide general information on visitation and entry procedures.
• Route sensitive inquiries to the shift supervisor (resident information, media inquiries).
• Issue, account for, and store facility keys and radio batteries.
• Open/close electronically controlled doors and monitor movement in restricted spaces.
• Notify supervisor before allowing vehicle entry through the gate.
• Initiate and document security responses as required.
• Attend staff meetings and suggest improvements.
• Participate in training to maintain or upgrade detention skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned by lead officers or the detention manager.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Initiative

Professional image

Confidentiality

De-escalation

Crisis awareness

Public safety mindset

Education

Two years of college or Associate Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field

Job description

The Detention Officer I (DO-I) position is responsible for the center’s control room which is manned and operated 24 hours daily to monitor and operate security, camera, and communications systems; monitor safety alarms and other mechanical and electrical systems; control lighting in the common areas and temporary living areas; and provide depth to overall facility safety. The primary responsibility of the DO-I is access control: the DO-I is responsible for ensuring only those with proper authority enter or leave the Cowlitz County Juvenile Detention Center (CCJDC) restricted areas, the facility itself, or the spaces contained therein. Must successfully complete CCJDC Detention Officer training by the end of probationary period.

Responsibilities

1. Establish and/or maintain the control room and visitor logbooks throughout each shift.
2. Validate the identification of all authorized guests (e.g., educators, attorneys, counselors, health services personnel, volunteers) prior to facility entry.
3. Validating juveniles’ identification and reason for admission through the CCJDC main lobby entrance
4. Denying facility entry to unauthorized persons and or vehicles: notifying shift supervisor in a timely manner for reasons of denial.
5. Directing authorized guests to the assigned spaces within the CCJDC
6. Remain vigilant while maintaining direct line of sight and/or remote monitoring of residents, staff members, and authorized guests throughout the facility.
7. Monitoring interior/perimeter cameras and intercom systems; responding and/or making notifications to appropriate detention personnel when needed.
8. Answering and or routing phone calls, questions from external parties of a general nature (e.g., visitation times and rules, facility entry procedures, directions to the facility).
9. Routing questions of a sensitive or confidential nature to the shift supervisor (e.g., resident information, media inquiries).
10. Issuing, accounting for and storing CCJDC keys along with charging replacement radio batteries.
11. Opening and closing electronically controlled doors while controlling and monitoring all resident, staff, and visitor movement into and out of authorized spaces within the facility.
12. Notifying shift supervisor before allowing vehicle entry through vehicle gate
13. Initiating and documenting security responses within the CCJDC.
14. Attend and participate in staff meetings and provide recommendations for overall improvement.
15. Attend such training as may be deemed appropriate to maintain or upgrade skills related to the job of Detention Officer.
16. Perform other duties as assigned by lead detention officers or by the detention manager.

Qualifications

1. Possess (or attain after employment) and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
2. 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.
3. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
4. Have the ability to work all shifts and weekends, dayshift, swing shift, graveyard shift.
5. Be 21 years old or older.
6. Preferred: 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.)

Skills

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