Detention Services Specialist - Fort Wayne

Allen County · Job Description · DETENTION SERVICES SPECIALIST · Department: · ACJC - Detention FLSA Status: Non-exempt · Classification/Level: · Professional, PG-03 Date: 02/2025 · Under the direction of the Shift Leader, the Detention Services Specialist is responsible for supe ...

Job description

Allen County

Job Description


DETENTION SERVICES SPECIALIST

Department:
ACJC - Detention FLSA Status: Non-exempt


Classification/Level:
Professional, PG-03 Date: 02/2025

Under the direction of the Shift Leader, the Detention Services Specialist is responsible for supervising high-risk juveniles, conducting intake and orientation processes, administering mental health and drug assessments, and maintaining safety within a maximum-security juvenile detention facility.

This role combines therapeutic intervention with operational and security responsibilities. This position is covered under the Superior Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.

Essential Functions

Conducts intake processes, including pat-down searches, drug testing, assigning rooms, and issuing facility clothing and hygiene items.
Administers mental health assessments (Maysi2), reviews results, and determines appropriate detention classifications.
Provides orientation for new detainees, outlining behavior expectations, group living guidelines, grooming standards, and daily routines.
Supervises juveniles' daily routines, including recreation, meals, phone privileges, and educational activities.
Performs routine safety checks, conducts searches of cells, common areas, and detainees, and ensures compliance with facility rules.
Monitors and manages detainees' behavior, documents incidents, applies corrective actions, and supports behavioral rehabilitation through cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Responds to emergencies, including conflicts, medical situations, escape attempts, and self-harm incidents, utilizing de-escalation techniques, physical restraint, and Handle with Care protocols.

Communicates effectively with staff, supervisors, and external stakeholders through detailed reports, work logs, and case management systems.
Completes and maintains accurate documentation, including incident and disciplinary reports, confidential juvenile files, and mental health assessment results.
Issues and monitors detainees' meals, clothing, bedding, and personal items to ensure proper care and facility standards.
Facilitates detainees' participation in structured programming, including life skills training, group counseling, and therapeutic activities.
Oversees and participates in facility housekeeping tasks, ensuring cleanliness and safety in common areas and secure cells.
Cross-trains in areas such as central dispatch coordination, transportation duties, and backup responsibilities for other facility operations.
Participates in staff training and development programs, including CPR/First Aid/AED, suicide prevention, and behavioral management.
Inspects and maintains facility equipment, ensuring security systems, restraint devices, and monitoring tools are operational and used appropriately.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field
Minimum of one year of experience in the criminal justice field
Valid driver's license to transport residents or operate facility vehicles
Demonstrated ability to apply therapeutic interventions, including behavioral management and cognitive-behavioral techniques
Proficiency in conducting mental health assessments (e.g., Maysi2) and interpreting results
Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective reporting, documentation, and team collaboration
Proficient in using facility management software, such as Microsoft Office, Quest Case Management, and security systems
Knowledge of juvenile laws, detention protocols, and facility safety standards
Skilled in operating and maintaining security equipment, including handcuffs, restraint chairs, AEDs, and handheld radios
CPR, First Aid, AED, and Handle with Care certifications for physical restraint techniques and emergency response
Certification in the use of drug testing equipment
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting 40-60 pounds, bending, kneeling, and climbing
Capable of handling emergency situations such as conflicts, escape attempts, and medical crises
Must perform continuous standing, walking, and monitoring activities in a maximum-security environment
Cross-trained to fulfill additional roles, such as dispatch coordination and therapeutic programming
Maintains strict confidentiality of detainee records and sensitive information

Performance Expectations

Detention Services Specialists are responsible for supervising high-risk juveniles while ensuring safety, security, and order in a maximum-security detention facility.

They are expected to implement therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, to promote behavioral rehabilitation and maintain efficient facility operations.

Specialists are required to keep accurate records, respond to emergencies using appropriate de-escalation methods and safety protocols, and safeguard confidentiality.

Responsibility

The Detention Services Specialist is responsible for conducting intake and orientation processes, administering mental health and drug assessments, and supervising detainees' daily routines to ensure safety, security, and compliance with facility rules.

They implement therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, to promote behavioral rehabilitation and operational effectiveness. Specialists maintain thorough documentation, respond to emergencies with appropriate de-escalation methods and safety protocols, and strictly uphold confidentiality. Cross-training in operational and therapeutic areas ensures adaptability and alignment with facility standards.

Personal Work Relationships

The Detention Services Specialist collaborates with various external stakeholders to support the needs of detainees and ensure effective facility operations.

These stakeholders include juvenile court personnel, such as judges and probation officers; law enforcement agencies responsible for transportation and investigations; healthcare providers delivering medical and mental health services; educators facilitating learning programs; family members or guardians involved in the detainees' care; and community organizations providing counseling, life skills training, or post-release support.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Detention Services Specialist frequently interacts with high-risk detainees.

The role involves continuous standing, walking, and monitoring activities, as well as performing physical tasks such as lifting 40-60 pounds, bending, kneeling, and climbing.

Specialists are exposed to various environmental factors, including extreme temperatures, noise, and potentially hazardous situations. Emergency responses may require physical restraint and the use of safety equipment. Attention to detail, focus, and adherence to safety protocols are critical to maintaining a secure environment.

Requires frequent standing, walking, and continuous monitoring of detainees.
Involves physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting 40-60 pounds.
Demands high physical endurance to respond to emergencies and maintain facility safety.
Regular inspections requiring accurate documentation and attention to detail.

The description below outlines the physical requirements specific to Detention Services Specialist's role:

Physical Requirements

Occasionally =

1 to 2 hours

Frequently =

3 to 4 hours

Repeatedly =

5 to 6 hours

Continuously =

7+ hours

Sitting

X

Standing

X

Walking

X

Fine Motor Skills

X

Gross Motor Skills

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Lifting

X

Carrying

X

Pushing/Pulling

X

Physical Endurance

X

Supervision

This position does not supervise other employees.

Licensing

CPR and First Aid Certification

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification

Proper Restraint Techniques

Valid Driver's License to provide transportation for residents and/or to operate county owned vehicles required

Immediate Supervisor

This position reports to the Shift Leader

Hours

Rotating Schedule:
Follows a 4/2 cycle (4 days on, 2 days off) with varying shifts, averaging 40 hours per week.

Eeo Category

1104

Worker's Comp Code

8833

I agree that the contents of this job description are a fair and accurate representation of the duties of this position being described.

Employee Printed Name:
____________________________________________


Employee Signature:
____________________________________________ Date: ____________________


Supervisor Signature:
____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.