Juvenile Detention Supervision Officer – Juvenile Detention - J29290 - 34900
Nueces County
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Supervises juveniles and provides security within the County’s detention facilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Supervises and maintains group control during all activities of detained juveniles, such as cleaning or other chores, attending classes, studying, or doing homework, playing games, serving or eating meals, resting, watching television, participating in outdoor and indoor recreation and others. Responsible for preventing escapes, suicide attempts and violent, aggressive behavior on the part of the detained juveniles. Conducts regular visual checks on residents at all times they are in their rooms, documenting each check. Receives new juveniles and processes them according to departmental rules and regulations, including carefully searching them, properly logging and storing all of their belongings, issuing necessary linens and/or clothing, conducting resident orientation which includes among others, explaining the grievance policy and procedure as well as other rules and policies and preparing necessary paperwork. After receiving appropriate training and authorization by the Superintendent, screens referred juveniles and makes decisions regarding their detention or release based on statue and department procedure. Observes residents in order to analyze their needs and address them on an individual and/or group basis. Assists residents to develop a healthy and positive attitude about self through individual and group counseling and discussion. Remains alert and aware of group dynamics and confronts crisis situations in a calm and professional manner, demonstrating skill in crisis counseling. Administers disciplinary action in a fair and consistent manner, honoring and enforcing disciplinary consequences issued by previous shift(s). Reports and unusual behavior of juveniles to appropriate Lead Detention Counselor, taking appropriate measures and documenting such actions. Initiates and maintains current records/files on residents, making precise and well written notes and reports that contain all pertinent information. At the beginning of the morning and evening shifts, participates in group meetings where staff orient residents as to behavioral expectations and schedule for the shift. Reports to Detention Counselor(s) of next shift any unusual occurrences during shift. Performs room searches to control contraband, facility defacing and maintenance needs, taking appropriate action and documenting as needed. Performs frisk and strip searches when necessary to control contraband. Receives, screens and logs all incoming and outgoing telephone calls in the absence of the Receptionist; transfers incoming calls and takes messages as needed. Logs any person entering or leaving the facility and oversees visitors who come to see detained juveniles. Provides parents with appropriate information regarding residents' behavior and circumstances. Analyzes and evaluates present facility procedures and submits ideas for improvements. Shows initiative in organizing and implementing new activities for residents' enjoyment. Ensures that the detention facility is maintained in a neat and clean manner by organizing residents in regular cleanup activities. Performs housekeeping duties as needed, including upkeep of staff and public areas and immediate outside perimeter, and washing clothes (resident's and facility's) and linens. Transports meals to facility and serves meals and snacks, following acceptable food handling practices. Performs duties specific to shift, as determined by Superintendent or designee. Performs any other such duties as may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any employee who drives a vehicle on official business must have a driving record which meets standards set by the County and the County’s insurance carrier. EXPERIENCE and/or EXPERIENCE: By law, incumbent must be age 21 or older. Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Preferred, but not required: experience working with youths in a residential setting, recreation program, volunteer capacity and/or schools. Preference will be given to applicants with bachelor’s degrees in fields relevant to this position, such as psychology, sociology, education, and criminal justice.