Youth Detention Support Specialist

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an entry-level Juvenile Detention Officer to provide direct supervision of youths in a 24-hour detention facility. The role includes ensuring health, safety, and welfare while enforcing rules and conducting routine inspections.

The position requires effective written and oral communication, the ability to handle crisis situations, and mandatory background checks, drug testing, and certifications.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school/GED program.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must be certified as required by applicable standards for the facility/department.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, with a good driving record.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation.
• Mandatory drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment.
• Must pass the Juvenile Academy requirements or all standards related to PREA and Ethics for specific positions.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day direct supervision to youths in a 24-hour detention facility in a manner that ensures the health, safety and welfare of each youth is in compliance with departmental policies and procedures and all applicable standards.
• Provides individual and group counseling to all youths to promote and increase personal awareness of responsibilities and alternatives.
• Makes critical and sound judgments and decisions during crisis or potentially dangerous situations, only in the absence of the supervisor; informs supervisor of problems or situations encountered and actions taken; and documents actions.
• Disciplines youths by enforcing the rules of the facility, documents behavior and other specific information and forwards to appropriate personnel.
• Serves as back‑up to staff and assumes all duties as necessary, i.e., administering medications, transporting youths to appointments, processing intake assessments or discharges, and disciplining youths.
• Must be physically able to perform handling with care techniques, including takedowns, chasing and restraining youth as outlined in TJJD requirements.
• Conducts inspections, rounds and drills which includes room checks and physical searches of youths.
• Transports youths to and from appointments.
• Coordinates and provides daily educational and entertaining programs and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Effective communication

Stress tolerance

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Dallas County is seeking an entry-level Juvenile Detention Officer to provide direct supervision of youths in a 24-hour detention facility. The role includes ensuring health, safety, and welfare while enforcing rules and conducting routine inspections.

The position requires effective written and oral communication, the ability to handle crisis situations, and mandatory background checks, drug testing, and certifications.