Youth Program Officer I

Salary:  $ 13.06  Hourly + 5% Hazardous Pay

Position Summary:

Under general supervision of a Program Manager and Youth Program Officer II, is responsible for providing direct supervision, care and treatment of residents who are in the custody of the Juvenile Detention Center.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Summary:

1. Maintain security, order and discipline to prevent disturbance, escapes and insure the safety of residents, staff and the community.
2. Process new residents, including strip searching and showering, issuance of clothing, and orientation to the rules and regulations of the Juvenile Detention Center.
3. Maintain a written log of behavioral incidents and observation of residents; is aware of resident's room assignments; and monitors resident's physical location at all times.
4. Evaluate, recommend and implement programs that include education of residents in daily living skills, social skills and work/study habits.
5. Counsel residents in-group and individual sessions.
6. Provide oral and written reports on residents to supervisors regarding their progress and problems of residents under the custody of BCJDC and its managed programs.
7. Assign and monitor activities of residents; supervise residents in physical education and recreational activities.
8. Observe and search residents and inspect and search facility as needed.
9. Transport residents to court, hospitals or other facilities and service locations outside of the Juvenile Detention Center.
10. Physically restrain violent residents, and if necessary pursue residents on foot, in the case of escape attempts.
11. Initiate contacts with parents, legal guardian, Probation and Parole Officers and other agencies.
12. Assist in the intake process when assigned.
13. Intake assignment also includes handling the control center, answering the telephone, and responding to visitors, court and law enforcement officers and others with business at BCJDC.

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associate's Degree in law enforcement, criminology, psychology or related field plus two (2) years related experience working with youth in the criminal justice field.
2. OR a combination of four (4) years post-secondary education and experience directly related to the above duties may be considered in lieu of the above stated education requirement.
3. Knowledge of the goals, practices and techniques of corrections.
4. Ability to learn and apply the State Juvenile Code and other relevant laws and regulations.
5. Ability to interact effectively and professionally with administration, subordinates, co-workers, residents and the general public.
6. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, in oral and written English.
7. Ability to maintain composure under stressful or threatening situations.
8. Ability to utilize computer information system and operate communication equipment.

Screening and Compliance:

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and a background investigation.
2. Employee must undergo 120 initial hours of on-the-job training, including State Juvenile Code and "A Level" Restraint Training. Employee must maintain certification in these areas every six months.
3. Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver's license by date of employment and retain a valid New Mexico driver's license while employed in this position.
4. Employee must comply with Bernalillo County safety policy requirements.

Working Conditions:

1. Duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) with some outdoor work (10%).
2. Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment. Outdoor duties typically involve transportation of residents and recreational activities with residents.
3. Work hazards or potential work hazards include a possibility of personal injury from violent residents or heavy exertion activities while restraining or pursuing residents.
4. Employee may be required to do shift work.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

1. Utilizes computers and communication equipment on a daily basis.
2. Utilizes recreational/sports equipment, facility keys, handcuffs and shackles on a frequent basis.
3. Worker handles fire extinguishers and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
4. Operates a County vehicle as necessary.