Youth Correctional Officer

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you're searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Posting will remain open until filled or until 9/13/2024. The next review of applications will be on September 14, 2024, and occur weekly until the posting is filled or closed.

Start Dates for this position are 9/16/2024 and 9/30/2024.

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Maintains custody and control of assigned clients in order to ensure a safe and secure environment; ensures clients and visitors are escorted throughout the facility as dictated by policies and procedures; enforces rules and regulations governing resident conduct in a fair and equitable manner; monitors the temperament, mood, and behavior of clients to detect potential problems or conflicts, demonstrates de-escalation methods, and alerts supervisors to impending problems; observes and interacts with clients; provides positive reinforcement, and serves as a role-model for appropriate pro-social behavior and attitudes that convey dignity and respect in the treatment of others; uses evidence-based skills when communicating with clients; conducts routine safety, security, health, and sanitation inspections; searches clients, their property, and living areas to detect contraband, hazards, damage, or potential breaches of security and for cleanliness and sanitation of living areas; promptly reports any condition, equipment, or problem which poses a threat to the safety or security of the facility.
• Performs administrative functions such as maintaining shift logs, counts, and writing incident reports describing problems with clients or emergencies; responsible for the accuracy and completion of written information which is then filed or forwarded to superior officer for review; verbally reviews status of the assigned area with incoming personnel during shift changes; enters and retrieves information using a computer; processes and searches incoming clients; releases and processes out clients; ensures all paperwork and computer entries are accurately completed.
• Responds immediately to emergencies as directed by emergency procedure guidelines; uses de-escalation techniques; dons protective equipment; restrains or restricts the actions of combative or disruptive clients using only necessary force; summons assistance from backup personnel; administers first aid or CPR.
• May operate an institution vehicle to transport clients to and from court, medical facilities, work locations, or other approved locations.

The job is incredibly demanding and challenging at times; but, it is also incredibly rewarding too.

The starting wage for this position without experience will start at the minimum of the grade

For more information regarding the duties of a Youth Correctional Advisor, click on this link for a realistic job preview video: https://youtu.be/WhVqbPJGNSM.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Twenty-one (21) years of age or older and three semester hours (3) of college-level study in adolescent development, psychology or a related subject; or forty-five (45) clock hours in documented training in child care or child development; or one year (1) of experience as a child care worker, house parent or in the human services field in a facility serving youth; possess a high school diploma or its equivalent; successfully pass a criminal history check; and possess a valid driver's license.

Applicant must submit to and pass a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and pass a physical ability test prior to employment.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Preferred Job Requirements:

Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Sciences, Human Services or related fields and previous corrections or criminal justice related experience. Experience in a substance abuse treatment setting.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

Excessive standing and/or walking: 60%

Lifting: Successful completion of physical ability test which includes dragging up to 125 pounds and lifting 50 lbs.

Running in response to emergency situations; client restraint and self-defense training.

On call/stand-by work required.

Shift work

Safety-sensitive job.

Weather Essential job: Department and County Essential

Uniform required

Successful completion of physical ability test which includes dragging up to hundred and twenty five (125) pounds, lifting fifty (50) pounds, patting down residents, responding to emergency calls, walking up and down 20 stairs, and donning protective equipment.