Detention Officer

Job Title:

Detention Officer

Division/Department:
Court Operations/Detention Services Salary: $55,120.00

Reports To:

Unit Manager Date Posted: 10/24/25

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt Last Revised: 10/20/25

Benefits of Employment

Insurance:
Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program. Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.

Paid Time Off:
Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement:
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) with 14% annual employer contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans.

Job Summary

A Detention Officer monitors, supervises, plans, organizes, and directs the behavior and activities of residents in a manner that ensures residents' safety and staff safety. Maintains a safe and secure environment for both the residents and staff by diffusing disruptive/destructive behaviors through crisis intervention and verbal counseling whenever possible but when necessary uses physical intervention techniques to gain control of the situation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Ensures the best possible care, welfare, and security of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division's Detention Center (JCDC) residents utilizing behavior management techniques and established policies and procedures.

Assists in the planning of free time activities including exercising, games, sports, arts, crafts and special events.

Monitors, supervises, plans, organizes, and directs the behavior and activities of residents in a manner that ensures residents' safety and staff safety.

Interacts and supervises residents through participation in activities, individual discussions, and modeling behavior.

Ensures compliance with all JCDC policies/procedures in order to promote a safe, secure, and humane environment for residents and staff.

Reports any problems or incidents in an appropriate and timely manner to management. Makes timely medical, psychological or behavioral referrals to qualified staff. Directs residents' regarding JCDC policies, procedures, health, hygiene, housekeeping, and related information.

Maintains a safe and secure environment for both the residents and staff by diffusing disruptive/destructive behaviors through crisis intervention and verbal counseling whenever possible but when necessary uses physical intervention techniques to gain control of the situation.

Maintains personal skills and proficiency in application the use of defensive tactics through ongoing physical fitness training and academic training. Must physically perform under stress when confronted with an emergency, critical, and/or dangerous situation.

Performs duties such as searches of residents, resident's personal effects, staff, and visitors in accordance with JCDC policies, and procedures. Inspects and reports units for contraband, hazards and security problems.

Completes logs and prepare written and electronic reports as required. Completes accurate reports and submits them by the end of the shift following the use of physical force and/or mechanical restraints. Demonstrates coherent and effective

written communication through reports and memorandums, with both internal and external contacts.

Provides input to management or social services relative to residents' needs or concerns and identifies activities which may positively impact residents.

Operates security and communication equipment including, but not limited to portable radios, metal detectors, and mechanical restraints.

Ensures compliance with federal, state, local and JCDC policies and procedures and court orders.

Performs other job duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Has no direct supervisory responsibility for staff members.

Equipment Operated

Detention security equipment such as computers, cameras, telephones, and radios.

Confidential Data

All court-related information regarding hearings, etc. that the employee may come in contact with by working in the facility.

Working Conditions

While performing duties of this job, the employee frequently walks and stands. With assistance, the employee must be able to physically restrain, chase, and contain juveniles for their protection, protection of others, and/or self-protection. The employee must have the capacity to work in closed environment and work with criminal offenders, some of whom may be dangerous. While supervising offenders, they may interact with others, such as family members and friends of the offender, who may be upset or difficult to work with.

Workers may be assigned to work in areas of the institution where there is a risk of violence or communicable disease. Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations;…