Juvenile Corrections Officer

The Juvenile Corrections Officer I is responsible for overseeing the intake, processing, and confinement of juveniles suspected and/or convicted of unruly and/or criminal activity. The primary areas of responsibility include data entry into a computer database, logging personal items, conducting searches, and assigning detainees to the appropriate level of confinement. This position also involves conducting frequent safety checks, monitoring detainees' health and emotional state, supervising recreational and educational activities, delivering meals, administering prescribed medications, and maintaining a log of events and activities. Additional duties include transporting detainees, verifying outstanding warrants or petitions, and completing related administrative tasks. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by Juvenile Corrections Sergeants and the Director of Juvenile Detention based on compliance with facility rules and regulations, effectiveness in interacting with juveniles in custody, organizational and decision-making skills, and the overall support provided for facility operations.

• Performs intake activities for juveniles taken into custody, including conducting searches, obtaining medical information, and logging personal items.
• Enters detainee identification data into a computer database and searches local and state law enforcement databases for outstanding warrants, personal identifiers, or criminal histories.
• Conducts routine and random security checks as prescribed in operational policies and maintains a log of detainee activities, demeanor, and any significant incidents or changes in behavior.
• Observes detainees during recreational and educational periods, intervening when necessary to maintain order and safety.
• Assists in maintaining control of detainees during searches for contraband and other prohibited items.
• Conducts periodic searches of detainees, the detention center perimeter, and facility grounds to ensure security.
• Distributes meals; administers medications to detainees at prescribed times, ensuring proper documentation of distribution.
• Transports detainees to medical appointments, emergency facilities, court appearances, and other correctional facilities.
• Documents and updates all pertinent information related to detainees in an organized and accessible manner.
• Intervenes in dangerous or volatile situations to ensure the safety and security of detainees and staff.
• Processes documentation for the intake, custody, and release of detainees, ensuring all records are updated in compliance with facility policies and regulations.
• Attends required training sessions; maintains knowledge of juvenile detention procedures, safety protocols, and detainee rights.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with detainees, their families, legal representatives, and law enforcement.
• Assesses and determines appropriate actions for juveniles experiencing medical issues, trauma, or other urgent needs.
• Provides support and guidance to detainees while enforcing facility rules and regulations.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned

Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered by a licensed physician.
• Successful completion of the Sevier County Juvenile Training Program, including Basic, Pre-Service, and Facility training (total of 120 hours) upon employment, as well as maintaining the state-mandated annual training of 40 hours.
• Availability to work twelve-hour shifts, weekends, and be on call for duty.
• Possession of a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and proof of Insurance at standard vehicle liability rates.

Supervisory Requirements:

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

• Knowledge of Tennessee Code Annotated sections, Federal, State, and Sevier County laws, ordinances, and juvenile detention center operational policies and procedures, or the ability to acquire this information within 60 to 90 days.
• Knowledge of constitutional and civil rights of juveniles in custody, as well as statutes and regulations governing juvenile incarceration.
• Knowledge of first aid, CPR, universal precautions for pathogen exposure, and the effects of psychotropic drugs and dietary requirements for various health conditions.
• Understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of children and adolescents and the ability to interact effectively with detainees, families, co-workers, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to remain alert during extended shifts, observe detainee behavior, and respond quickly and appropriately to volatile or dangerous situations to ensure safety.
• Ability to apply and enforce standard operating procedures impartially while demonstrating sound professional judgment in interpreting policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Strong organizational, decision-making, and record-keeping skills to ensure accurate documentation of detainee observations, shift activities, and required reports.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal statutes, technical procedures, and governmental regulations, as well as communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in writing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and procedural documentation and in presenting information to government officials, emergency personnel, civic organizations, media, and the public.
• Skill in using modern office equipment, computers, and software, as well as law enforcement protective devices such as tasers, chemical sprays, and restraint equipment.
• Ability to de-escalate tense situations, maintain composure under pressure, and perform physically demanding tasks required for the role.
• Demonstrated integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team to achieve individual and group goals.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a medium to heavy work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Work requires long periods of standing and walking, as well as frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Work requires sufficient physical strength and agility to restrain or subdue detainees when necessary and to react quickly in emergency situations.
• Work requires the ability to access and navigate all areas within the detention facility, including secure and restricted areas.
• Vocal communication is required for giving clear and authoritative directives, de-escalating tense situations, and exchanging information with detainees, staff, and the public.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to detect potential disturbances or emergency situations.
• Visual acuity at a level to include close, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus, is required for monitoring detainee activity, assessing security threats, and completing written reports, with or without correction.

• Operates in a secure detention facility environment with exposure to loud noise, potentially volatile situations, and physical confrontations.
• Work involves direct interaction with juvenile detainees, some of whom may exhibit aggressive or unpredictable behavior.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and other potential hazards requires adherence to safety protocols and universal precautions.
• Occasional work in outdoor weather conditions may be required for facility security checks, transports, or emergency situations.
• Work is performed in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; twelve-hour shifts and on-call duty are required.
• Travel may be required for training or detainee transport (conducted in a secure vehicle), necessitating reliable transportation.