Job Description

Posting number: 26-00031

Department: Probation

Division: 234 - Juvenile Hall

Job classification: Juvenile Corrections Officer I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Safety, Probation

What You'll Do:

• Oversee and monitor daily activities of juvenile detainees.
• Explains, monitors and enforces facility rules and safety and security measures.
• Write special incident reports detailing incidents that occur in Juvenile Hall.
• Communicates and consults with probation officers, attorneys, families, law enforcement and social services agencies.
• Maintains daily logs and records on participation in programs and activities.

Typical Schedule:
The typical schedule can be any combination of 8 hour shifts:

• 7 am - 3 pm
• 3 pm - 11 pm
• 11 pm - 7 am

This includes weekends and holidays.

Must Be Able To:

• Stand on your feet for long periods of time.
• Physically restrain abusive juveniles.
• Work in a team oriented environment.

Please Note:

• The successful candidate for this position, will be required to undergo an extensive background investigation.
• The successful applicant for this recruitment will need to attend and pass both a written exam and oral exam. The written exam will be held in person in Eureka, CA.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, oversees, monitors and counsels juvenile detainees; ensures the safety and security of detainees in Juvenile Hall or the Regional Facility; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Juvenile Corrections Officer I is the entry level in this series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform duties related to the operation of the Juvenile Hall or Regional Facility. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Juvenile Corrections Officer II and incumbents may advance to the higher class level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency, which meet the qualifications of the higher level.

Examples of duties

• Processes juveniles into the juvenile facility following department procedures including recording and securing valuables, assigning rooms and orienting new detainees; completes and processes paperwork for the admission, care and release of juveniles and provides information regarding their legal rights.
• Oversees and monitors the safety, security, treatment, recreation, personal hygiene and other daily living activities of juvenile detainees.
• Searches juveniles and their quarters for prohibited possessions or contraband; inspects and directs cleaning activities of juveniles for maintenance of sanitation, orderliness and safety of room, bath and other common areas.
• Counsels juveniles and their families; develops treatment plans including behavior modification goals; provides crisis intervention and referral as required; conducts or assists in group sessions to provide supportive counseling and self-help education.
• Explains, monitors and enforces facility rules and safety and security measures; searches juveniles for contraband.
• Models and promotes acceptable attitudes and behavior of juveniles to assist them in adjusting to confinement; confers with assigned supervisors and others regarding behavior issues; holds juveniles accountable for their behavior.
• Enters and retrieves a variety of information from a computer; maintains daily logs and records on participation in programs and activities and other related data; prepares reports on juvenile activities and behavior.
• Communicates and consults with probation officers, attorneys, families, and law enforcement and social service agencies regarding juveniles.
• Writes special reports as requested.
• Reviews medical orders; ensures juveniles receive prescribed medication when appropriate; performs first aid when needed; may complete routine medical screening.
• May assist with on-call probation intake services as needed; takes calls from law-enforcement and gathers information to forward to the on-call probation officer.
• Transports juveniles; restrains physically abusive juveniles.
• Supervises and monitors juveniles on work crews.
• Attends staff meetings; participates in training both in and out of county as appropriate. • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of

• Principles, practices, methods and equipment used in a juvenile detention facility.
• Methods and techniques of dealing appropriately with juveniles in custody.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards.
• Principles and practices of applied psychology and behavior modification procedures, particularly for juvenile offenders.
• Safety and security practices and precautions relating to a juvenile detention facility. Basic principles, practices and procedures of juvenile civil and criminal justice systems. Computer applications and hardware related to the work including database management and retrieval of information.
• First aid and CPR.
• Record keeping principles and the operation of standard office equipment including the use of personal or online computers.

Skill in

• Assessing and evaluating the risks and needs of juvenile detainees.
• Overseeing and monitoring the daily living activities of juvenile detainees.
• Monitoring and enforcing rules and safety and security measures.
• Responding in emergency and crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Exercising initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, records and other written materials.
• Operating standard office equipment and using a computer system.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be at least eighteen years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must be a high school graduate, have passed the GED Test or have attained a two year or four year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid training certification prior to completion of probation.
• Level I must complete State Corrections Standards Authority STC Juvenile Corrections Core Training course prior to completion of probation.

Desirable Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Equivalent to possession of an Associate of Arts degree with major coursework in psychology, counseling or a related field and one year of experience in working with juveniles in counseling, intervention or a similar structured setting.

Supplemental information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.