Detention - Juvenile Center - Detention Services Specialist

Allen County

Job Description

DETENTION SERVICES SPECIALIST

Under the direction of the Shift Leader, the Detention Services Specialist performs day-to-day direct supervision of high risk juvenile detainees in a maximum security detention facility including intake and administering Mental Health Assessments.  This is an employee at will.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the supervision of juveniles including performing visual inspection (watch tours) of all juveniles confined to a cell every 15 minutes or sooner.
• Conducts Intake Process including collecting urine samples, administering breathalyzer tests, conducting pat-down searches, dispensing detention clothing, showering, making room assignments and conducting mandatory medical health assessments.
• Responsible for the orientation process for new detained juveniles including expectations for behavior, group living guidelines, grooming, housekeeping, school and daily activities. 
• Completes incident/discipline reports concerning juvenile detainees and provides corrective actions as appropriate.
• Assists the Diagnostic Department with administering the Maysi2 (Mental Health Assessment) and reviews the results of the assessment to determine the juvenile’s detention classification. 
• Communicates effectively with other facility staff including immediate supervisors accurately via typed documents and work log entries.
• Performs searches of detained juveniles, cells and common areas to ensure a clean, safe and secure environment.
• Monitors and issues juvenile detainees’ meals, clothing, bedding, hygiene and personal items.
• Maintains physical confidential juvenile files with organization and precision, ensuring proper documentation is filed.
• Responds to emergencies within the maximum security detention facility including, but not limited to, conflicts between residents where physical restraint may be required, escape attempts and medical issues where CPR may be necessary.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice or related field and one year working in the Criminal Justice, Psychology or Mental Health field
• CPR and First Aid certified
• Valid Driver’s License to operate a County vehicle
• Handle with Care certification
• Physical restraint technique and ability to recognize non-verbal cues
• Working knowledge of Mental Health Assessments
• Knowledge of Juvenile law and codes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

REQUIREMENTS (continued):

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to use handcuffs and restraint chair and shield
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other job related software

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

The Detention Services Specialist performs work that involves substantial intricacy when assisting with and reviewing the results of the Mental Health Assessment of the juvenile.  Judgment is needed in selecting the most pertinent guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Detention Services Specialist applies standard practices when supervising juveniles and conducting the intake process for detainees into the facility.  All work is reviewed for adherence to instructions and guidelines.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Detention Services Specialist maintains frequent contact with other County employees, high risk and potentially violent juveniles regarding the overall supervision of juvenile detainees in a maximum security detention facility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Detention Services Specialist works in a maximum security detention facility supervising high risk and potentially violent juvenile detainees requiring the ability to be able to physically restrain detainees and stand and walk frequently with some sitting, lifting up to sixty pounds, bending, pushing and/or pulling loads and reaching over head required.  The Detention Services Specialist must be able to very frequently type including transcription, proofreading and attention to detail, monitoring of equipment and detailed inspection is required.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Valid Driver’s License

CPR and First Aid Certified

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Shift Leader

HOURS:

4/2 rotation, 40 hours per week

EEO CATEGORY:

1102

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

8833

I agree that the contents of this job description are a fair and accurate representation of the duties of this position being described.

Employee Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________