Juvenile Detention Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s society, the need for Juvenile Detention Officers is more crucial than ever.

As we strive to better our juvenile justice system, the demand for dedicated professionals who can guide, educate, and protect our youth continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Juvenile Detention Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the responsibilities of a Juvenile Detention Officer,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Juvenile Detention Officer job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Juvenile Detention Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Juvenile Detention Officers are responsible for the care, custody, control, and supervision of youths who have been arrested, are awaiting trial, or have been convicted of a crime.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Supervising daily activities of detainees including meals, personal hygiene, recreational activities and educational classes
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of all juveniles in their care
• Performing intake procedures, including searching detainees and their possessions, taking fingerprints and photographs, and assigning them to a housing unit
• Maintaining order within the detention facility, resolving conflicts and preventing fights
• Conducting regular security checks and inspections of the facility
• Enforcing rules and regulations of the detention facility
• Documenting all incidents and daily activities in reports
• Working with social workers, probation officers, and court officials to develop rehabilitation plans
• Providing informal counseling and guidance to detainees
• Assisting with court appearances and transportation of detainees

 

Juvenile Detention Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and disciplined Juvenile Detention Officer to oversee and manage the activities of juvenile offenders in our detention center.

The Juvenile Detention Officer’s responsibilities include ensuring the safety and well-being of detainees, conducting regular inspections, and enforcing facility rules and regulations.

The ideal candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to interact with a diverse group of individuals, and be committed to helping young offenders rehabilitate and improve their lives.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the daily activities of detainees within the facility
• Ensure safety and security of both the detainees and the detention center
• Conduct regular inspections of the facility for cleanliness and safety
• Implement and enforce facility rules, regulations and disciplinary measures
• Assist with conflict resolution and crisis intervention
• Maintain accurate records of detainee behavior and progress
• Communicate regularly with detainees, staff, and administration
• Facilitate and supervise detainees during visitation periods
• Participate in the rehabilitation and counseling of detainees

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a similar role or environment
• Understanding of the juvenile justice system
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively
• Physically fit and able to pass a health assessment
• Able to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Pension plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Job training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Juvenile Detention Officer
• Work Environment: This job operates in a secure detention facility and involves direct contact with juvenile detainees. Physical risk can be involved.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Detention Center Supervisor or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State]
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Juvenile Detention Officer Do?

Juvenile Detention Officers work primarily in juvenile detention centers, which house minors under the age of 18 who have been accused or convicted of crimes.

Their main role is to maintain a safe, secure environment for these young individuals.

They are tasked with observing the behaviors of the juveniles, diffusing any conflicts that arise, and enforcing the rules and regulations of the facility.

Juvenile Detention Officers also take care of the basic needs of the detainees, such as serving meals and ensuring they have access to personal hygiene facilities.

These professionals may also assist with rehabilitation programs, such as educational classes or therapy sessions, to help the juveniles develop skills and behaviors that can prevent future criminal activity.

In addition, they may be responsible for documenting the behavior and progress of each detainee, and reporting this information to court officers or social workers.

It’s important to note that Juvenile Detention Officers often work in stressful and potentially dangerous situations, and must be prepared to respond to emergencies or violent behavior.

 

Juvenile Detention Officer Qualifications and Skills

Juvenile Detention Officers use a combination of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and industry knowledge to manage and provide care for incarcerated youth, including:

• Having a strong understanding of the juvenile justice system and the laws and regulations concerning the detention of minors.
• Utilizing excellent communication skills to interact with incarcerated youth, understanding their concerns, and explaining rules and procedures clearly.
• Applying conflict management and resolution skills to mediate disputes among inmates and ensure the safety of all within the facility.
• Demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity to connect with a diverse population of incarcerated youth, understanding their unique backgrounds and experiences.
• Being physically fit and capable of managing potentially dangerous situations, including physical altercations.
• Employing crisis intervention techniques to deescalate tense situations and provide assistance to individuals in distress.
• Exhibiting a high level of patience and emotional intelligence to handle challenging behaviors and attitudes in a non-confrontational manner.
• Possessing strong record-keeping skills to document incidents accurately and provide comprehensive reports.

 

Juvenile Detention Officer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Juvenile Detention Officer candidates typically need at least 1-2 years of experience in a related field, often through internships or part-time roles in law enforcement, corrections, or social services.

They may also gain valuable experience through volunteer work with youth-oriented organizations.

Candidates with 2-3 years of experience usually have developed their skills in dealing with at-risk youth, conflict resolution, and understanding of juvenile justice system, often in roles such as Probation Officer, Social Worker, or School Resource Officer.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have a strong background in corrections or law enforcement and may have held supervisory roles.

They often bring a breadth of experience in crisis intervention, case management, and knowledge of community resources.

These candidates could be well prepared for managerial roles within the juvenile detention system.

Further, some positions may require specialized experience in areas such as substance abuse counseling or mental health services.

In all cases, a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by incarcerated youth is essential for success in this role.

 

Juvenile Detention Officer Education and Training Requirements

Juvenile Detention Officers typically need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field.

In order to gain a broad understanding of the justice system, courses in criminal law, sociology and social problems are recommended.

It is also beneficial to have knowledge in fields such as child psychology and counseling.

Most states require Juvenile Detention Officers to complete a training academy, which includes both classroom instruction and physical training.

They learn about self-defense, crisis intervention, juvenile rights, and detention center operations.

Juvenile Detention Officers are often required to have a valid driver’s license.

They may also need to pass a background check, drug test, and physical examination.

Continuing education is important in this field, with many officers choosing to pursue advanced certifications in areas such as youth counseling and crisis management to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Some positions may require experience working with youth in a correctional or rehabilitative setting.

This can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or employment in related fields.

The ability to speak a second language can be beneficial for Juvenile Detention Officers, as it allows them to communicate effectively with a diverse population of detainees.

 

Juvenile Detention Officer Salary Expectations

A Juvenile Detention Officer earns an average salary of $36,820 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on experience, location, and the specific organization.

 

Juvenile Detention Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Juvenile Detention Officer need?

Juvenile Detention Officers need excellent communication skills, both for interacting with the detained juveniles and for reporting situations to their superiors.

They also require a strong sense of empathy and understanding towards the unique challenges faced by youth in detention.

These officers should possess good decision-making skills to handle potentially volatile situations and have a good understanding of correctional procedures and laws.

 

What qualifications are required to become a Juvenile Detention Officer?

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement for becoming a Juvenile Detention Officer.

However, some facilities may require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or social work.

Most states also require these officers to undergo specialized training and pass a certification exam.

Previous experience in law enforcement or working with youth can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Juvenile Detention Officer’s resume?

Besides the necessary educational qualifications and certifications, look for experience in counseling, social work, or law enforcement.

Any additional training in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, or communication can be beneficial.

An effective Juvenile Detention Officer’s resume should highlight their ability to maintain discipline and security, along with their experience in working with troubled youth.

 

What qualities make a good Juvenile Detention Officer?

A good Juvenile Detention Officer should be firm yet compassionate, understanding the unique challenges that detained youth face.

They should be able to communicate effectively with diverse populations and have excellent conflict resolution skills.

They need to maintain professionalism and integrity at all times, even in challenging situations.

They also need to be physically fit to handle potential security incidents.

 

What is the typical work environment for a Juvenile Detention Officer?

Juvenile Detention Officers work in juvenile detention centers, which are secure facilities for young people awaiting trial or serving sentences.

These environments can be stressful and emotionally challenging, as officers often deal with troubled youth facing difficult circumstances.

Officers must be prepared to work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

They must be physically fit, as the job sometimes involves physical confrontations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a juvenile detention officer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about supervision.

It’s about shaping the future of troubled youth, one young person at a time.

With our ultimate juvenile detention officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into action.

But why halt your journey here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for crafting precision-cut listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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