JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER II

About the Department

The Department of Juvenile Justice is dedicated to providing the right service, the right way, at the right time. We honor our nation's veterans and their families, valuing the service given to our country and actively supporting the hiring of service members and military spouses. Our mission is to uphold the highest standards of safety, dignity, and respect within the criminal justice system.

About the Role

This position serves as a highly responsible role within the Okaloosa Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Crestview, FL. As a Juvenile Justice Detention Officer II, you will be a positive role model for staff, youth, and the community, ensuring a safe and secure environment with a "zero tolerance" policy for escapes, abuse, or inappropriate conduct.

You will play a critical part in the daily operations of the detention center, maintaining custody of assigned youth while safeguarding their constitutional rights, particularly regarding legal, medical, and mental health needs. Your day will involve supervising youth activities, managing admissions and releases, and performing security checks. You will also be responsible for distributing medication in the absence of medical staff, conducting contraband inspections, and utilizing Protective Action Response (PAR) techniques to maintain control when necessary.

In the absence of a supervisor, you will assume acting supervisor duties, including training new employees and ensuring compliance with court orders and departmental policies. You will also prepare youth for court appearances, transport them to various facilities, and maintain detailed records of incidents and movements. In emergency situations, you are expected to utilize CPR, AED, and First Aid techniques to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.

Hiring Process & Application

This is a pool announcement for multiple positions. Successful candidates will be subject to comprehensive background checks, including sex offender, criminal (state, local, and national), and pre-employment drug screenings. Candidates not currently employed as direct care workers for the Department of Juvenile Justice will be required to pass the Ergometric's IMPACT Assessment and Training Test to measure suitability for working with youth.

Certification in accordance with the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice direct care training policy is required, or must be obtained within 180 days of employment. A valid driver's license is mandatory; out-of-state license holders must obtain a Florida license within 30 days of hire.

Veterans' Preference

The State of Florida encourages eligible veterans to apply. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies. Certain service members may be eligible for waivers regarding postsecondary educational requirements. Veterans claiming this preference must attach supporting documentation, such as a DD Form 214, with their submission.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

The State of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to Florida law and applicable federal regulations, staffing decisions regarding gender are based on bona fide occupational qualifications related to the juvenile population ratio and do not constitute discrimination. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act must notify the agency hiring authority or the People First Service Center in advance.

The State of Florida supports a drug-free workplace, and all employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.