Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00093

Department: JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

Job classification: YOUTH DETENTION WORKER II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Criminology, Community and Social Services

Summary

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do!Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!

Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage: $27.94

About the role:

Responsible for the supervision, safety, security, and behavior management of dependent, neglected or delinquent youth at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center.

Examples of duties

• Supervises dependent, neglected, or delinquent youth residing in the Juvenile Detention Center.
• Assesses the psychological, physical, and emotional needs of the youth being referred.
• Conducts intake activities for residents including conducting interviews to obtain required information.
• Checks and maintains security and safety of residents on a continual basis.
• Organizes, plans, and implements structured daily activities for youth after assessing group dynamics and individual needs.
• Promotes, encourages, and supports appropriate behavior through relationship building, and confronts negative/inappropriate behavior in a professional manner.
• Physically restrains residents for the protection of themselves or others, including mechanical restraints when necessary.
• Dispenses medication to youth as needed.
• Observes and records description of behavior for the purpose of program planning and for recommendation to the court.
• Assists the Sheriff’s Office with the transport of detained youth to medical facilities and maintains continuous supervision during emergency room visits.
• Keeps daily records and reports.
• Responds to emergency situations such as escape or suicide attempts, drug overdose, intoxicated youth, etc.
• Implements medical instructions.
• Monitors medical needs of youth and refers problems to appropriate authority.
• Implements behavior management system utilizing a token economy, behavior contracting, level system, resets, etc.
• May prepare and manage serving of meals for 10-20 people.
• Performs light maintenance tasks such as cleaning and laundry activities.

Qualifications

One of the following is required:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3 (three) years of experience in the care, counseling, and management of dependent, neglected, and delinquent adolescents

OR

• Associate’s degree in human services, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or related field and 1 (one) year of experience in the care, counseling, and management of dependent, neglected, and delinquent adolescents

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills for this position may be considered.

Supplemental information

Floater - 8 hours per week

Youth Detention Worker II Job Description - Youth Detention Worker II - Job Description

Learn more about Linn County Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services here: Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services | Linn County, IA - Official Website