JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I - 80042873

People First Service Center; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A state service agency in Clearwater, Florida, seeks a Juvenile Justice Detention Officer I to ensure public safety and provide a secure environment for youth. Responsibilities include interacting with youth, leading activities, and maintaining a respectful culture. Candidates must meet specific age and education requirements, and a background check is required. This position offers competitive pay and benefits including vacation, sick leave, and education assistance.

Benefits

Paid vacation of 104 hours annually

Paid sick leave of 96 hours annually

Education benefits and student loan forgiveness

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• No felony convictions or dishonorable discharges.

Responsibilities

• Interact with youth in a secure facility.
• Demonstrate leadership and coaching.
• Promote a culture of dignity and respect.

Job description

JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I - 80042873

Date: Oct 2, 2025

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website.

Overview

At DJJ our focus is to enhance public safety through high-quality effective services for youth and families delivered by world-class professionals dedicated to building a stronger, safer Florida.

Working as a juvenile justice detention officer is one of the most rewarding and challenging career opportunities in the State of Florida. As an officer, your primary responsibility is to ensure public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting. DJJ expects youth to be accountable for their actions while maintaining a culture that promotes dignity and respect. Our goal is to treat each youth in our care as an individual by providing the right service, at the right time, to shape youth into productive citizens.

As a detention officer, you are often the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders. Therefore, leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a desire to work with youth are essential qualities.

For a complete description of duties and responsibilities, please click here.

Responsibilities

• Interact with youth in a secure facility and help maintain a safe, structured environment.
• Demonstrate leadership, provide coaching and mentoring as part of daily operations.
• Promote a culture of dignity and respect in all interactions with youth and colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Be at least 19 years of age.
• Be a high school graduate or its equivalent as determined by the department.
• Not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Certain historical exceptions apply as described in the original notice.
• Abide by all provisions of Florida statutes and background screening requirements for personnel.
• Execute an affidavit of application attesting compliance with applicable subparagraphs; the affidavit must be sworn and include language about the consequences of false statements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge: Department policies and procedures for care, custody and control of youth; Facility Operating Procedures; safety procedures including conducting strip searches; maintaining sanitary conditions.
• Skills: Recognizing signs of potential suicide or depression; addressing youth issues;
• Ability: Determine appropriate level of use of force; provide constructive feedback; prepare and maintain reports; perform basic arithmetic; communicate effectively with youth, co-workers, supervisors and the public.

Special Notes

• DJJ facilities operate 24/7/365; positions may require rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• All prospective candidates are subject to sex offender checks, criminal background checks, and pre-employment drug screening for direct care positions.
• DJJ participates in E-VERIFY. A valid driver’s license may be required; if hired with an out-of-state license, a Florida license must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Candidates may be required to obtain certification and pass assessments for direct-care employment opportunities; testing results are considered for six months in reapplication contexts.
• Pursuant to law, state staffing considers gender balance, but does not discriminate; the State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.
• Reasonable accommodation requests should be directed to the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center. The State supports a Drug-Free workplace with drug testing where applicable.
• Veterans’ Preference may apply; supporting documentation must be attached with applications.

Location, Salary and Benefits

Minimum Biweekly Rate of Pay: $1,676.76 (In accordance with current spending restrictions; internal promotions may be paid at the minimum or up to 5% above the current rate, whichever is higher).

Paid vacation: 104 hours annually; Paid sick leave: 96 hours annually with unlimited accrual; Holidays: 9 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year; Education benefits: 6 paid credit hours per term; Eligible for student loan debt forgiveness; Participation in group health insurance and dental plans; Pension/investment plan options.

Location options include multiple sites in CLEARWATER, FL and surrounding areas (specific locations listed in the original vacancy notice).

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone], Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Florida statute, veterans’ preference applies in qualifying vacancies; documentation requirements are described in the vacancy post.