Juvenile Detention Technician

Incumbent works under the direction of the Douglas County Youth Superintendent or designee performing varied duties in the areas of control room operations and escort functions. Assures strict adherence to established rules, regulations and security procedures.
Essential Functions:

Listen to detainees' issues and provide constructive feedback and appropriate advice.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.

Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures for DCYC including regulatory and accreditation requirements, state statutes and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) regulations.

Cover staff breaks, lunches, and trainings as directed.

Monitor and operate surveillance equipment to control movement within and around the facility.

Report any suspicious activities to Duty Supervisor.

Control and distribute keys to authorized personnel.

Maintain log and account for all keys at the end of the shift.

Complete reports, logs and other documentation related to shift activities.

Answer and direct telephone calls.

Test all surveillance equipment and radio alert buttons, and document and report equipment in need of repair and/or replacement to Duty Supervisor.

Escort visitors, detainees and other authorized personnel within the facility.

Escort detainees to outside appointments.

Respond to medical emergencies within scope of knowledge.

Conduct shakedown of designated areas; strip search detainees during check in procedures and upon return from outside appointments (medical visits, court appearances, etc.).

Monitor and oversee visitations, reporting any unusual activities.

Enforce DCYC policies and practices professionally, making decisions objectively and taking appropriate actions.

Promote and model socially acceptable attitudes, ethics and behaviors.

Serve as a counselor to the detainees as needed.

Attend meetings, training sessions, seminars, workshops, etc., as directed.

Report to work at assigned location with regular and predictable experience.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements: High school graduation or equivalent required.

One year* of college level studies in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Sciences, Sociology or Psychology required.

Experience operating computers preferred.

• Approved, related work experience may be substituted for educational requirement beyond high school on a year-for-year basis.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is generally performed indoors in a correctional setting on an assigned shift supporting a 24 hour, 7 day a week operation. Incumbents must be willing and able to work any shift, including weekends, holidays, and overtime. Work involves the potential for contact with or exposure to blood borne pathogens or other body fluids and infectious materials. Work requires close interaction with offender populations and may be difficult or emotionally challenging when dealing with irate or verbally abusive detainees, their family members, or when dealing with critical situations.

Incumbent is required to physically engage detainees in order to protect detainees; themselves and other officers. Detainees may have weapons or other contraband. Incidents requiring physical intervention may arise as frequently as several times a day. Incumbent must be physically fit and not have medical conditions that pose a threat to themselves or others should the need for physical confrontation arise.

Incumbents must meet the following specific job related physical requirements:

Standing/Walking/BendingConstant, up to 80% of shift or as needed
ClimbingFrequent, stair climbing may be involved
SittingOccasional, 20% of shift or as needed
RunningOccasional, typically one to two minute duration
Kneeling/Stooping/CrouchingOccasional
BalanceClimbing steps or when restraining a combative detainee
Ability to Quickly Change PositionFrom kneeling to standing
LiftingFrequent up to 20 lbs., and occasional up to 350 lbs., as part of a team lift
Maximal Voluntary Grip90 lbs. or better (dominant hand) and 80lbs or better (non-dominant hand)
Pushing/PullingOccasional up to 100 lbs push force, occasional up to 80 lbs pull force, and frequent to occasional up to 40 lbs of push/pull forces
VisualConstant - near, far, and peripheral vision plus depth perception
AuditoryFrequent to constant moderate sound with occasional loud sounds

An incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers, control panels, radios, handcuffs, leg irons, locking/unlocking doors, alarms, and other equipment used to perform the essential functions of this job. Communication abilities include the ability to talk with co-workers, detainees and their family members, superiors, etc.