JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I

About the Department

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) salutes our heroes and honors the opportunity to support our nation's veterans and their families. We value the service given to our country and actively support the hiring of service members and military spouses.

Our mission is to enhance public safety through high-quality, effective services for youth and families, delivered by world-class professionals dedicated to building a stronger, safer Florida. We operate under the guiding principle: "The Right Service, the Right Way, at the Right Time."

About the Role

Working as a Juvenile Justice Detention Officer is one of the most rewarding and challenging career opportunities in the State of Florida. As an officer, your primary responsibility is to ensure public safety by providing a safe and secure environment for troubled youth in a structured setting.

At DJJ, we expect youth to be accountable for their criminal actions while striving to sustain a culture that promotes dignity and respect. Our goal is to treat each youth in our care as an individual, providing the right services at the right time to shape them into productive citizens.

As a detention officer, you are often the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders. Therefore, leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a genuine desire to work with youth are essential qualities. This position is part of a pool announcement, meaning multiple positions will be hired from this announcement to fill various locations as needed.

Work Environment and Schedule

DJJ detention facilities operate 24/7/365. Positions require shift schedules, and staff members must be agreeable to working rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays with varying days off. There may also be times when unplanned overtime or unscheduled double shifts are necessary.

Hiring and Application Process

This is a pool announcement for multiple positions. For a complete description of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the official position description.

Application Requirements:

• All employment gaps must be explained and included with your work history when applying.
• Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214) with each submission.
• Candidates not currently in the state system as a direct-care worker will be required to take and pass an Ergometric's IMPACT Assessment and Training Test after the interview phase to measure suitability for working with juvenile justice-involved youth.

Screening and Certification: All prospective candidates will be subject to sex offender checks, criminal background checks (state, local, and national), and pre-employment drug screening. Successful candidates must be certified in accordance with the Department's direct care training policy and obtain such certification within 180 days of employment.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Pursuant to Florida law and applicable federal regulations, the general staffing of a facility must be in accordance with the male and female ratio of the juvenile population. The decision to hire a male or female employee based on a bona fide occupational qualification does not constitute discrimination or a violation of civil rights.

The State of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735) in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.