JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under general direction of a supervisory employee during an assigned tour of duty, the Juvenile Detention Officer controls the general conduct and behavior of juvenile residents, the maintenance of discipline, and custodial, recreational, transportation, and housekeeping functions. Performs other related duties as required.

Supervises and/or participates in various programs/activities with juvenile residents to stimulate interest in and cooperation with various social/education programs.

Keeps track of assigned juveniles under immediate charge through periodic head counts, and records schedules, activities, incidents, and so forth in a logbook to be aware at all times of the whereabouts of juvenile residents.

Uses appropriate techniques to calm disruptive juvenile residents in a potentially dangerous situation and may physically restraint them to prevent them from endangering their health/safety or the health/safety of others.

Patrols various locations within the institution for the purpose of checking safety/security hazards such as fire, smoke, broken pipes, unlocked doors, and tampered windows/locks to protect the security/safety of juveniles and the institution.

Searches juveniles’ clothing/possessions and makes periodic room checks to detect contraband in accord with established policies, regulations, and procedures.

Supervises, instructs, and assists juvenile residents in housekeeping duties such as sweeping/mopping floors, making beds, and so forth to maintain sanitary conditions in resident areas.

Ensures that juveniles maintain personal hygiene.

Writes comprehensive, factual incident reports and completes and submits short forms such as head counts and safety reports to provide routine, detailed information.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Graduation from high school or vocational school or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.

TRAINING:

Appointees will be required to successfully complete a training program approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission within the time period prescribed by law or the New Jersey Police Training Commission. Training is paid.

CITIZENSHIP:

Applicants must be citizens of the United States.

DRIVER’S LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a County vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to cope with crisis situations that occur in a juvenile detention facility.
• Ability to apply knowledge and use of sound judgment in critical situations. 
• Ability to empathize with juveniles from different backgrounds.
• Ability to write concise, accurate reports.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Salary Range: $43,264 to $97,418

Career Path: Juvenile Detention Officer, Transport Officer, Senior Juvenile Detention Officer Sergeant, Supervising Juvenile Detention Officer Lieutenant.

Benefits:

• Pension
• Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Higher Education Reimbursement
• Paid Training
• Uniform Reimbursement
• Paid Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave

Medical Examination:

Appointees will be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological examination administered by the appointing authority. Any medical, psychological, or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to self or others, or become aggravated as a result of the performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection. Appointees will be required to undergo a psychiatric examination. Failure to demonstrate sufficient capacity to perform duties of this position may be cause for rejection.

Background Check: Appointees must pass a background check, including completion of the Child Abuse Record Information Form (CARI).