Juvenile Justice Detention Officer

Requisition Information

Requisition No: 871379

Agency:
Juvenile Justice

Working Title:

JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER I

Pay Plan:
Career Service

Position Number:

Salary: $1,676.76 + $92.30 CAD = $1,769.06 bi-weekly

Posting Closing Date: 03/11/2026

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.

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

As a detention officer, you are most often the first DJJ employee to interact with juvenile offenders. Leadership, coaching, mentoring, and a desire to work with youth are essential qualities.

For a complete description of duties and responsibilities, please .

• 104 hours of paid vacation annually
• 96 hours of paid sick leave annually, with unlimited accrual of unused hours
• 9 paid holidays, and 1 personal day each year
• 6 paid credit hours per term at Florida’s colleges and universities
• Eligibility for participation in student loan debt forgiveness program
• Group health insurance and dental plans
• Secure pension/investment plan
• And more. For additional benefit options and information, please .

Location:

Broward Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 222 NW 22nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311

Contact Person:
Dora Newton

Minimum biweekly rate of pay: $1,676.76; includes CAD of $92.30 bi-weekly for a total of $1,769.06.

Be at least 19 years of age.

Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any armed forces.

Abide by all provisions of s. 985.644 regarding fingerprinting and background investigations, and other screening requirements.

Execute and submit an affidavit-of-application attesting to compliance with subparagraphs 1‑4. The affidavit must be executed under oath and contain language that intentional false execution constitutes a misdemeanor of the second degree.

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures for the care, custody and control of youth.
• Knowledge of facility operating procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and conducting strip searches.
• Knowledge of good hygiene and housekeeping tasks relating to maintaining facility hygiene.
• Skill in recognizing signs of potential suicide or depression and changes in youth behavior.
• Skill in addressing issues of youth experiencing problems.
• Ability to determine appropriate level of use of force.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and conflict management skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records related to youth supervision.
• Basic arithmetic skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide rational numbers).
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and work effectively with youth, co‑workers, supervisors, and the public.

DJJ detention facilities operate 24/7/365. Positions require shift schedules including rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays with varying days off. Unplanned overtime or unscheduled double shifts may be necessary.

All candidates will undergo sex offender check, criminal background checks, and pre-employment drug screening. DJJ participates in E‑VERIFY.

Valid driver’s license required if position includes transportation responsibilities. Florida license must be obtained within 30 days if hired with an out‑of‑state license.

Candidate must be certified in accordance with department direct‑care training policy within 180 days of employment. Top‑ranking candidates will be required to take and pass the Ergometric’s IMPACT Assessment and Training Test if not already in the state system.

Staffing must respect male/female ratio of juvenile population. Hiring decisions based on occupational qualifications are not discrimination.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center in advance.

Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Specific documentation (e.g., DD Form 214) must be attached with each submission. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.