Juvenile Institutions Officer

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment is now scheduled to close on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. PST.

All applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered.

1. Orients, observes, supervises controls, motivates, counsels, and maintains headcount of youths in a detention and/or treatment facility; enforces disciplinary rules and policies of the institution/facility; delivers medication as prescribed; participates in individual, group, or crisis counseling and facilitates the application of certain programs and compliance with case plans.
2. Plans, organizes, and coordinates work project details, recreation, and leisure activities for youth detainees; ensures youths complete activities within allotted timeframes.
3. Observes and writes reports on the attitude, behavior, and adjustment of youth detainees; recommends intervals at which suicidal youths should be observed; and enters pertinent narrative and statistical information into computer programs.
4. Monitors youth detainees during showers in order to ensure hygiene and security; supervises youths in performing laundry duties, and other work details.
5. Receives and releases youths; may make intake and release decisions; contacts and
   informs parents/guardians of case status; supervises visits between parents and youths; supervises youths who are on alternative release status or on probation and living at home.
6. Physically restrains and/or redirects assaultive youths; secures and transports detained youth.
7. Occasionally assists in the routine preparation and serving/distribution of meals.
8. May train colleagues in a specialized area of expertise; may train and guide Extra Help employees and volunteers.
9. May act as lead officer of a shift, as needed.

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards. Applicants will need to attach their unofficial transcripts to their application.

In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications:

1. Completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities; OR,
   
   
2. A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to that listed above that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (an example of equivalent experience would be working with juvenile/youth offenders, as a counselor in a group home).

• Must meet minimum peace officer standards as specified in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031 including, but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined through a background check (this includes a polygraph examination); and no physical, mental, or emotional condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, gender identity and gender expression, ancestry, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Unless previously completed, within one year of hire, must have successfully completed "Core" training and an introductory law enforcement procedures program (PC 832), certified by the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Appointees must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Driver's license must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. Incumbents must be able to travel independently.
• All appointees must successfully complete 40 hours of intense, on-the-job training, which focuses on facility security and operations, psychological principles and techniques applicable to the care and rehabilitation of youth and young adult offenders, and the growth, development, needs, and problems of youth and young adults.
• Some positions in this classification may require incumbents to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver License. Appointees to those positions requiring a Class B license will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to beginning work; once assigned, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.

• Knowledge of: Adolescent psychology, juvenile justice, juvenile delinquency, counseling, basic knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with related course work focus is desirable.
• Bilingual skills: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.

Incumbents must work in a structured, regimented work environment that includes working shifts, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents must enforce rules while maintaining flexibility, and adhere to professional ethics in working with youth and young adults; wear required uniform; stand for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per shift); work outdoors in a varying climate; may perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment.
3. Computerized Written Examination: Candidates who passed the PHQ will be notified via email with instructions for taking a computerized examination. Based on number of candidates who are invited to the exam, the testing format and/or testing dates could be subject to change.

• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver.
• POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation.

• PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION is given by a psychologist. You will be evaluated on the psychological factors related to successful performance to determine if you are presently suited for the difficult and stressful job of Deputy Probation Officer.
• MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointee is subject to a medical examination.
• Submit written documentation of his/her LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK in the United States.