Juvenile Detention Officer Department of Human Services – Division of Family Guidance

Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Division of Family Guidance provides clinical, residential, educational, correctional, case management, and monitoring services to at-risk children, adolescents, and families, particularly those who are otherwise unable to receive needed services. Through its more than 27 programs, it is Bergen County’s resource for youth and families in need.

Job Description:           

This employment opportunity will be to serve as a Juvenile Detention Officer at the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center located at 200 North Street, Teterboro, NJ 07608. Under direction, provide oversight and supervision of the juveniles residing at the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center. The position ensures the safety and well-being of the facility staff and residents by facilitating programming, conflict resolution, enforcing rules and maintaining order.; does related work as required.

Job Responsibilities:           

  • Supervises and/or participates in various programs/activities with juvenile residents to stimulate interest in and cooperation with various social/education programs.
  • Supervises, performs, and instructs juvenile residents in order to facilitate daily schedule.
  • Provides advice to individual juvenile residents needed and implement techniques to be used in addressing behavioral and adjustment issues.
  • Provide comprehensive reporting and data entry on all required forms and reports Utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the facility.
  • Ensure a safe and secure environment for juveniles and employees.
  • Model pro-social behavior and reinforce appropriate social interactions.
  • Writes comprehensive, factual, incident reports and/or fills out short forms such as head counts and safety reports to give routine, detailed information.

Schedule:   

  • Full time (40 hours/week).  
  • This position supports a 24/7 program and requires flexibility to meet staffing needs.
  • Applicants must be able and willing to work evening and/or night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
  • Mandatory overtime is possible.

Education Requirements:   

  • Possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university

Other Requirements:

  • Possess basic knowledge of the principles and practices involved in mentoring, care, custody, safety, and security of adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system, who are typically between the ages of 12 and 18 – preferred.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel programs.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
  • Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
  • The selected applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment physical, successfully pass a drug screening process, as well as a motor vehicle and criminal records check.
  • Selected candidates must successfully complete all phases of a mandatory in-residence training program (Mon-Fri), approximately eight weeks in duration, to be scheduled within the first year of employment. Participation and successful completion are conditions of continued employment.
  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States

What we offer:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Enrollment into the state pension system
  • Life, Short-term Disability & Long-term Disability coverage
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary:

$50,000 / per annum, contractual step increases to $70,000
Shift and holiday pay differential, as well as potential for overtime pay.

Please send resume and employment application to resume@bergencountynj.gov – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

The County of Bergen complies with the New Jersey First Act. An employee’s primary residence must be within the State of New Jersey, or the employee will have 365 days (1 Year) from their date of hire to satisfy the requirement of principal residency.