Lead Juvenile Detention Officer

Pinal County; Florence (AZ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sabbatical after 5 years of service

Paid vacation, sick, and holidays

Health, vision, dental, hospital plans

Job summary

Pinal County’s Superior Court Detention Division seeks a Detention Officer to ensure a safe, structured environment for juveniles in custody. You will support shift operations, enforce detention rules, and model professional behavior for youth and staff.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of direct juvenile supervision experience, plus ability to work rotating shifts and pass a background check. A strong commitment to safety is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years' experience mentoring juveniles in detention, group care, or related settings.
• Clear background check required.

Responsibilities

• Implements and delivers programs to juveniles to support detention goals.
• Assists supervisors with court and detention division initiatives.
• Provides role modeling and mentoring to juveniles in the facility.
• Assists in training and monitoring staff activities.
• Maintains incident logs and prepares reports on events.
• Escorts juveniles within the facility and to court as needed.
• Drives a court vehicle to transport juveniles, if required.
• Responds to emergencies and de-escalates tense situations.

Skills

Follow instructions

Communication skills

Observational skills

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the safety and well-being of juveniles referred to the Juvenile Court Detention Center by monitoring and maintaining a structured, safe, caring, healthy, and learning environment for juveniles. This position supports oversight of day-to-day operations of a shift within the facility.

Check out more about our facility and what it's like to work here.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The Superior Court in Pinal County values your experience. We review every candidate for a salary offer that is both equitable and applicable to the position range. Based upon your direct experience and background, a salary offer will be presented to you within our starting minimum to midpoint of range($45,969 - $58,611).

WHY US?

Pinal County and the Superior Court offer amazing benefits. Who knew there was a workplace that wants to see your wellbeing by providing you with a Sabbatical starting at 5 years of service? Plus paid vacation, sick, and holidays? And benefit plans that include things like hospital coverage, pharmacy, medical, vision, dental... and more! We strive to work hard and reward hard work with our perks and balance.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Implements and delivers programs to juveniles, supporting detention philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Assists supervisors in the successful implementation of court and detention division initiatives, programs, and activities.
• Provides effective role modeling and mentoring to juveniles in the facility.
• Assists in the training and monitoring of work activities for subordinate officers; may assist in the evaluation of Detention Officers by providing feedback to management on the work activities for subordinate officers.
• Assesses effectiveness of work team's implementation of behavior management program and facilitates continuous improvement processes including staff training and program development.
• Observes the behaviors of juveniles and situations that occur, recalls facts and prepares written reports.
• Monitors the detention facility to ensure a safe environment for both the juveniles and staff.
• Observes and ensures security of the facility in accordance with applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center; determines rule infractions, takes appropriate action, and reports violations and/or incidents.
• Prepares incident reports, updates logs for daily activities, documents and/or reports pertinent incidents to supervision.
• Processes new arrivals into detention facility.
• Escorts juveniles to and from Superior Court courtrooms and throughout the facility, restrained or unrestrained; maintains appropriate level of safety and security during juvenile movement.
• Drives a court vehicle to transport juveniles, as required.
• Reacts to physical confrontations and emergency situations quickly and effectively using sanctioned techniques; takes appropriate actions to effectively de-escalate situations and applies mechanical restraints as necessary.
• Performs physical searches such as pat-downs and strip searches in accordance with statutory requirements.
• May testify at hearing or in court.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 21 years of age at time of hire; AND
• High school diploma or equivalent GED; AND
• Three (3) years of experience monitoring, mentoring and providing direct services to juveniles in a juvenile detention center, group care facility, criminal justice or educational environment; OR
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
• Required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.
• CPR, Food handlers certifications required within 90 days of hire;
• Will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and some overtime, as scheduled.
• Subject to immediate callout when an emergency occurs.

Knowledge of

• The purpose of juvenile detention, court and justice system environments.
• Applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center.
• Report preparation and record keeping as they pertain to court system.
• Adolescent behavior and supervision methods for juveniles.
• Security considerations and measures.

Ability to

• Follow instructions, both verbal and written.
• Assign and lead work; assist in enforcing applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center.
• Maintain confidentiality in court related matters.
• Observe behaviors and quickly analyze situations, detect problems and recall facts, respond to emergencies or stressful situation calmly, quickly, and decisively.
• Use a personal computer, electronic networks and other information and communications technologies.
• Prepare clear, concise reports to management.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds.

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 hand write 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 throughout the County.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed inside the confinement of a correctional facility and/or office setting. Will be required to drive throughout the state.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications.

Working for the Judicial Branch in a safety-sensitive position, you are required to submit to pre-employment examinations that may include but is not limited to: criminal history with fingerprints and driving history, background interview, drug screening, psychological examination, and reference checks.