JUVENILE DETENTION OFC/NON-REG na County of Thurston

The pay range for this position is: $27.28 - $31.63

Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable candidate for a Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officer position. Juvenile Detention Officers supervise, monitor, and provide care for juvenile offenders and other court involved youth confined in a secure confinement facility, and in detention sponsored programs outside of detention. They provide direction of juvenile activities; monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions of juvenile detention; record observations of juveniles for input to probation counselors and other individuals and agencies working with court involved youth. In this role you will operate the electronic security system, operate walk-through magnetometer screening devices, conduct intake and release procedures with juvenile detainees, perform critical need assessment of juvenile detainees, and safety/security classifications.

Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officers shall be available to work non-standard workhours, weekends, and holidays. No guarantee of hours per week/month. Hours are scheduled by availability and seniority.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Instruct juveniles and family members on the procedures and regulations of the facility admonitors visiting hours. 
• Prepares detainees for detention school programs and provides transportation services. 
• Provides emotional support to juveniles; makes recommendations to probation counselors or appropriate medical professionals. 
• Documents incidents, recommends, and directs the use of sanctions and behavior modification techniques in response to and for redirecting inappropriate behaviors. 
• When authorized, conducts use of physical force within the detention facility, and assists as necessary in the restraint and movement of combative detainees. 
• Performs immediate basic first aid as required. 
• As medically prescribed, supervises distribution of medications to juveniles. 
• Readies juveniles for court appearances.

To view the full job classification, click here: Juvenile Detention Officer 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Work is performed in a 24-hour/7-day confined, maximum security facility. Exposure to physical danger from high-risk juvenile offenders may be present. Physical exertion is required for lifting up to 50 lbs. Requires prolonged periods of standing and/or sitting, and walking around the secured facility. Negotiation skills are constantly challenged in maintaining the control, cooperation, and safety of detained individuals.  
• Schedule - Random. Non-Regular Juvenile Detention Officers will be asked to work non-standard workhours, weekends, holidays and partial shifts no less than four hours. No guarantee of hours per week/month. Hours are scheduled by availability and seniority.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with in custody youth, Thurston County staff, and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Detention employees will successfully complete a training program in Proper Use nonphysical Force (Defensive Tactics) once each year.
• Must pass a background investigation through provided identification and fingerprints; including but not limited to: driving record, work history, education and criminal history.
• Must possess, or obtain upon hire, a valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a criminal justice, psychology, or other closely related field is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with troubled youth.
• Specialized education and/or training in providing social skills training geared toward youth learning styles.
• Positive attitude.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? The contact person for this recruitment is Reggie Gaither, Juvenile Detention Manager, (360) 709-3193.

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Not eligible for benefits, unless mandated by law
• Contingent upon passing a background investigation

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.