Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00122

Department: Office of Juvenile Justice

Job classification: DETENTION OFFICER

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections, Security

This is the first of four levels in the Juvenile Detention series.

Under close supervision from the Shift Supervisor, this is responsible detention work involving the care and supervision of delinquent juveniles in the custody of the Juvenile Detention Center, maintaining order, safety, and discipline among juveniles. Employees of this class adhere to prescribed standards and regulations. Employees of this class may exercise limited independent judgment within established standards and regulations.

Examples of duties

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Other duties may be assigned.)

• Exercise supervision over juveniles through constant observation; maintain both visual and auditory surveillance.
• Enforce established rules of conduct and report all infractions to superiors.
• Aid in administering disciplinary measures according to established policies; conduct searches of detainees and facility.
• Report all unusual occurrences, accidents or safety hazards to supervisors.
• Maintain fire and security watch, checking grounds and building periodically for irregularities.
• Escort detainees to class, recreation and other activities.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Adhere to the policies and practices outlined in the Office of Juvenile Justice Services Policy and Procedures Manual and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Resources Manual.
• Sign and adhere to the Equal Employment Opportunity Act policy and the Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Strictly adhere to policies safeguarding the confidentiality of juveniles.
• Participate in training as required.
• May assist with transportation of juveniles to Court, medical appointments and other community settings; Provide supervision of juveniles at all times during transport.
• Perform related work as required, including assistance with food service, security, and maintenance duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not require supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and expressed interest and ability to interact with children and youth in a positive manner.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Valid Driver's License as per State law or requirement.
Must be at least 21 years of age.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this position 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.

KNOWLEDGE

• Must be trained in non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), First Aid, and other specified training as required within six (6) months of hire. These certifications must be maintained throughout employment.
• Some working knowledge of the behavior patterns and group attitudes of delinquent juveniles. Some knowledge of general psychology as applied to emotionally disturbed juveniles.
• General knowledge of computer system and standard office equipment.
• Basic work etiquette.

SKILLS

• Preparing and maintaining logs, records, and reports;
• Following written and oral instructions;
• Ability to gain and hold the confidence of and to maintain a sympathetic and understanding attitude toward delinquent children. Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Ability to keep routine records and to make oral and written reports.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Supplemental information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear; taste or smell; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to delinquent juveniles residing or being detained at the center who may, at times, become volatile or even physically aggressive.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

UNIFORM
An employee in this position will be supplied with a uniform, provided by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The employee is responsible for abiding by the Police Jury's Uniform Agreement.

NOTE
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.