Juvenile Detention Officer

General Purpose

Detention Officers/Corporals are responsible for the care, safety, security, and control of residents within the Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center (OCJDC) and during transports outside of the facility.

Understands, practices, and promotes the mission and vision of the OCJB. Understands the impact of trauma and applies Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles (connecting, empowering, and correcting). Believes in the potential of children and treats residents with dignity and respect.

Actively works to create a safe and empowering atmosphere for growth and ensures residents’ needs are met. Uses intentional words, body language, tone of voice, and mannerisms to build trust and communicate safety. Makes intentional efforts to engage and build meaningful relationships with residents.

Maintains compliance with assigned work schedule, which may be altered to meet mandated facility staffing ratios, in accordance with the Contingency Guideline Plan. Sends and receives verbal transmissions via hand‑held radio. Conducts routine counts and observations of residents. Assists in the supervision, direction, and guidance of residents during scheduled operations, education, programs, meals, activities, emergency drills, and assigned area or post.

Facilitates resident hygiene practices such as cleaning, showers, clothing exchange and linen exchange.

Maintains safety and order during programs, meals, and recreation periods by utilizing verbal communication skills, TBRI, and physical intervention as trained. Provides verbal redirection and corrects problem behaviors promptly while maintaining respect and relationship with residents. Inspects the assigned areas or posts for unauthorized objects, materials, and contraband.

Conducts searches of residents and property in accordance with policy and procedure, as directed by supervisor.

Communicates information regarding safety and security to a supervisor and other necessary parties in a timely manner.

Completes written and/or typed reports and logs on a variety of incidents and routine resident behaviors. Ensures all resident medical, physical, and emotional needs and/or problems in the assigned area or post are addressed and/or reported as required.

Quickly responds to physical assaults and/or other emergencies in accordance with training received and policy and procedure requirements.

Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Must be able to push/pull with at least 20 pounds of force to operate the secure doors within the facility. Must be able to regularly lift/carry up to 50 pounds. Must be able to occasionally kneel/bend/crouch as necessary for use of force situations. Must be able to walk at a brisk pace with occasional short distance running during incidents within the Detention Center.

Must be able to traverse uneven terrain during incidents within cells, etc. Must be able to climb one flight of stairs every fifteen minutes for visual resident checks. Must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend to accomplish various administrative and informational reports. Must have the ability to listen and communicate in such a way that effective communication with coworkers can be accomplished.

Frequent use of hand‑held radio is required. Must have clarity of vision and dexterity to operate various computer/technological equipment including telephone, keyboard, mouse, computer, copy machine, etc. Must have the ability to remain vigilant and assist with restraints. This position is primarily active and minimally sedentary, approximately 90% walking/standing and 10% sitting. Must have the ability to adhere to high‑stress and high‑activity situations.

Must have the ability to work up to two 8.25‑hour shifts at one time when necessary for contingency reasons. Must be able to work any assigned shift and post.

Microsoft Office Programs, e‑mail correspondence, and a variety of internet search engines, copy machines, audiovisual equipment, telephones, fax machines, cell/mobile phones, and other office…