Detention Services Officer

The Los Angeles County Probation Department is leading the way in rebuilding lives and making our communities healthier and safer.  Working hand in hand with the Board of Supervisors and partner agencies, our goal is to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism through a "Care First, Jails Last" approach.

Are you looking for a place to make a difference in people's lives?  Are you passionate about helping and guiding youth? Are you a respected and creative member of the community?
 
The Probation Department is looking for highly motivated individuals who can assist and advise youth on ways to redirect behavior into pro-social channels, while assisting youth in managing their behavior through coaching, counseling, and acknowledging pro-social behavior. Do you see yourself making a difference in the organization's mission and the community?  Then join our team!

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS
Detention Services Officer positions hold the status of sworn-peace officers in the Probation Department.  (Please see the Requirements and Special Requirement Information sections for additional information on peace officer requirements and the Background Investigation process).
 

Positions supervise the activities of detained minors in juvenile halls. Incumbents serve as members of a small team responsible for the order and security of a unit of probation youth, transport minors to medical care facilities and/or courts or other locations, and provide situational counseling, as necessary.  Detention Services Officers must be able to restrain combative probation youth physically.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervises detained probation youth in their activities within the unit, on work assignments, during recreation periods, on medical or dental appointments, or awaiting court appearances.
• Maintains order and control of a unit and takes appropriate action in connection with rule infractions or other disturbances.
• Maintains institutional security and takes appropriate action to prevent escapes.
• Supervises the movement of probation youth within and outside the facility.
• Controls and restrains combative or emotionally disturbed probation youth.
• Observes and records the behavior of probation youth and confers with the supervisor about problematic probation youth.

Requirements

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
Completion of 60 semester* or 90 quarter* units from an accredited college, including coursework in the behavioral or social sciences such as psychology, sociology, or criminology.

Candidates must meet the qualifications for designation as a Peace Officer within the Probation Department, including, but not limited to:

1) No Felony Convictions

2) Citizenship - Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.  Applicants will be required to submit their documents during the background process.  

3) At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment

Appointees will be required to meet State-mandated CORE training requirements as defined by Standards for Training in Corrections.

PHYSICAL CLASS
IV – Arduous: This class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working above ground on irregular surfaces. It includes those positions that occasionally demand extraordinary physical activity, such as those in Safety positions.
 
LICENSE
A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions.