Juvenile Detention Officer I

Juvenile Detention Officer I

Salary

$41,121.60 - $61,672.00 Annually

Location

Columbiana, AL

Job Type

Full Time Classified

Job Number

2025-00085

Department

Juvenile Detention

Opening Date

03/03/2026

Closing Date

7/17/2026 4:30 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

To fulfill the mission of our facility, which is to provide short-term care of juveniles in secure custody who are accused of committing a crime or adjudicated pending further court action or awaiting transfer to another facility and who cannot be served in a less restrictive environment.

Work involves processing incoming detainees, supervising daily activities and caring for the needs of juveniles in secure custody to ensure the welfare and safety of the detainee, staff and visitors. This position is responsible for housekeeping, assisting teachers, performing searches, administering first aid/CPR and dispensing over the counter and prescription medications, as well as counseling detainees to try to improve their behavior upon release. Candidates may be assigned to one of three shifts 7-3, 3-11, and 11-7 or as a Floater between two shifts. Candidates must be willing and available to work the assigned shift and up to 12 hours. The Juvenile Detention Officer I must obtain 40 hours of on-the-job training with an additional 120 hours of training in the first year of employment with 40 hours of annual refresher training required each year thereafter.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes incoming detainees according to established facility procedures.
• Effectively use positive reinforcement and natural consequences with all detainees.
• Effectively supervise detainees and employ knowledge and skills related to safety and emergency situations when needed (e.g., contraband, first aid, CPR, fire safety.)
• Assist in the proper identification and treatment of problems related to the physical and emotional health and well-being of youth using knowledge and skills in various areas (e.g., medical and hygiene, substance abuse, physical or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, symptoms of suicidal behavior and emotional distress.)
• Effectively handle situations that may arise from detainees dealing with mental health issues.
• Provide accurate and timely written documentation of situations and program activities through observation and recording skills.
• Creating an environment in which a youths personal, social, or emotional problems can be openly discussed, explored, and possibly resolved through effectively using interpersonal relationship skills, communication and consultation with clinical staff, and leadership in group discussions or activities.
• Implementing, teaching and supplementing the facilitys daily program and activities (e.g., physical education, recreation.)
• Understanding, supporting, and using the philosophy, goals, values, policies, and procedures that represent the daily operations of the facility.
• Operates master control panel.
• Communicates by telephone and in person with law enforcement officials, probation officers, parents and the public.
• Dispenses over the counter and prescription medication.
• Monitors cells while youth are in cells.
• Participates in training for proper restraining techniques both verbally and physical.
• Maintains building, grounds and youth security by cleaning facility.
• Notifies Facilities and IT of issues that need to be repaired.
• Transport Juveniles for medical appointments, etc., as required.
• Performs daily housekeeping duties.
• Performs all duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervision.

Qualifications and Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Be able to successfully complete 40 hours on the job training with an additional 120 hours of training in first year of employment and 40 hours annual refresher training each year thereafter.
• Must be willing to work shifts: 7 - 3, 3 -11, & 11 - 7
• Valid Drivers License.
• Experience working with youth in any form, ie: volunteering with an agency, religious group, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in a Human Services field (i.e., Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling).
• CPR certification, suicide prevention, and basic first aid.
• Experience working in a juvenile detention setting or working directly with youth.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is light to medium in nature and involves significant amounts of walking and standing, and also requires carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical strength and mobility to respond quickly in an emergency and defend self if situation arises involving detainees that may weigh over 300 pounds. Usually those situations are not responded to with just one staff member. May also have to lift, push or pull boxes weighing 40 pounds.

Conditions of Job Offer and Employment

EXAMINATIONS: No written or performance examination will be required for this position. Applicants are screened and certified based on an evaluation of their education, training, experience and other requirements as outlined in this Position Announcement and denoted on their Job Application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT/POST OFFER DRUG SCREENING: Shelby County is committed to providing and maintaining a drug-free work environment. After receiving a conditional offer of employment, applicants are required to pass a drug test conducted at a test site designated by Shelby County.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT POST OFFER MEDICAL EXAMINATION: As a condition of employment after receiving a job offer for this position applicants are required to pass a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician designated by Shelby County.

Shelby County, Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Shelby County offers a competitive benefit package that includes:

• Annual (Vacation) and Sick Leave Accrual (accrual amounts are based on years of service)
• One Personal Day accrues per calendar year
• 12 paid holidays per fiscal year
• This position offers a defined benefit pension. The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) administers a defined benefit (DB) pension plan for Shelby County Alabama employees. Benefits are predetermined via a formula based on salary, years of service, and age and are not based on stock market performance. Retirement benefits are paid as monthly annuities for life, with options available for survivor benefits depending on the plan design (e.g., spouse coverage). Pension benefits from RSA DB plans are not taxed by the State of Alabama if the recipient resides in the state. RSA is among the 20 largest internally funded pension systems globally.
• Health Insurance -92% employer paid/8% employee paid for single or family coverage - Blue Cross and Blue Shield administered by the Local Government Health Insurance Program
• Dental Insurance - 92% employer paid/8% employee paid for single or family coverage - Delta Dental
• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance - 100% employer paid - $25,000 Basic Benefit
• Short-term Disability Insurance - 100% employer paid
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Annual Longevity Pay (employees qualifies based on years of service)

In addition a wide variety of voluntary benefits are available for benefits eligible employees to purchase:

• Southland Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance

• Supplemental Life Insurance

• Voluntary AD&D Insurance

• Colonial Life:

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Accident Insurance

• Short Term Disability

• Whole Life

• Flexible Benefits:

• Medical Spending Account

• Dependent Spending Account

• Credit Union Membership

• RSA 1

• Nationwide 457 Plan

01

It is important that all applicants read the following very carefully before completing the Online Application and responding to the Supplemental Questions to avoid possible adverse action. Applicants misrepresenting information or falsifying information on this Application in any way will result in disqualification, being barred from applying for jobs in the future and if hired or a current employee you may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment. In the questions that follow, applicants are asked to provide information about work history, this information may include things such as dates of employment, names of employers and specific details of the work you performed. The information and answers provided must be true and must be substantiated and verifiable in the Employment History section of this Application. A reference and background investigation will be performed and any information that is false or that you misrepresent will result in the disqualification of this Application and the revocation of any pending job offer. Also, submitting a resume in lieu of completing the employment history and education sections of the Application or failure to provide all of the information requested in the Education, Employment History or Supplemental Questions will result in disqualification of this Application. Be thorough and honest when completing the Application and in answering the Supplemental Questions. A thorough background investigation is conducted on all new hires with an offer pending and before a final hiring decision is made. If any information is found to be misrepresenting, fraudulent or omitted for the purpose of concealing unfavorable information, any pending offer of employment will be withdrawn and the applicant will be disqualified and barred from applying with Shelby County in the future. CURRENT EMPLOYEES PROMOTING OR TRANSFERRING FROM A NON-DOT POSITION TO A DOT POSITION: If you are a current Shelby County employee serving in a classified service position which is a non-DOT position and you are selected for promotion to a position that requires a CDL you will be subject to the rules and regulations governing DOT physicals and drug screens. You will be required to submit to a DOT physical and drug screen prior to being granted the promotion. Should you fail the physical, you will remain in your current non-DOT position, unless the physical indicates that you are not fit for your current position. A determination will be made concerning your eligibility to continue employment with Shelby County based on the results of the physical exam. Also, you will be required to submit to a DOT drug screen. If you should fail the drug screen you will be in violation of the Shelby County Drug and Alcohol policy and you will be subject to immediate dismissal. If you are completing this application for someone other than yourself, make sure the applicant is available to review and electronically sign the document before submission. Failure to do so will not change the disqualification rules as stated above. Please check below to indicate that you have read and understand the requirements of completing the Application.

• I have read the instructions and disqualification/barred from applying rules above and understand that my application can disqualified and any offer can be withdrawn or my employment can terminated if I dont comply and answer the questions on this application correctly and truthfully.

02

Do you currently occupy a classified service position with Shelby County, Alabama?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered yes to the previous question, please list the job title of the classified service position that you currently occupy.

04

Only respond to this question if you currently work for Shelby County Commission in a classified service position and answered yes to Question 2. As a current Shelby County Classified Service employee, if an offer of this position would result in a promotion, you understand that you must serve a 30-day promotional probationary period. During this 30-day period you may be demoted for unsatisfactory service and returned to the position held prior to the promotion. If promoted while serving a new hire probationary period you shall serve out the remainder of your six month probationary period, but in no event shall you serve less than a 30-day probationary period for the promotion. The probationary period lasting the longest will supersede. Employees within their 12 month New Hire Probationary Period are subject to dismissal without any rights of appeal to the board and shall be recognized as employed-at-will during said 12 month probationary period. Please indicate whether or not you accept these terms by checking the appropriate box below.]

• Yes
• No

05

Please check the box that represents the highest level of education achieved to date.

• No diploma or degree
• Occupational Diploma
• High School Diploma from an accredited high school or G.E.D equivalent through a state certified or accredited program
• Some College or Technical Training
• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
• Masters Degree or higher from an accredited college or university

06

From what school, institution or college did you receive your highest level of education?

07

If you selected an education level higher than high school, please specify your degree or field of study.

08

Although the salary range for this position tops out at $29.65 per hour, a new employee will not be hired at a rate higher than $22.63 per hour without Personnel Board approval. If offered, are you willing to work at a pay rate in the $19.77 - $22.63 per hour range?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you possess a valid Drivers License? Valid means your drivers license is not currently suspended or revoked.

• Yes
• No

10

New employees generally train on 7-3 and move to a different shift after training. Please check the shifts that you are willing to work. Check all that apply..

• 7 am to 3 pm
• 3 pm to 11 pm
• 11 pm to 7 am
• Floater postion between various shifts

11

Are you available and willing to work on 12 hour shifts as needed and scheduled?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing to work an additional 4 hours before or after your assigned 8 hour shift if needed?

• Yes
• No

13

Do you have work experience or volunteer experience with youth in any form?

• Yes
• No

14

If you answered Yes to the question above, please describe your experience with youth. If you have none, please put N/A as your response.

15

As a requirement of this job, the employee must be able to physically restrain a detainee when necessary. Training will be provided on how to de-escalate these types of situations, but sometimes physical restraint is necessary. Are you able, willing and comfortable with this requirement?

• Yes
• No

16

Have you ever engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C 2997?)

• Yes
• No

17

Have you ever been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?

• Yes
• No

18

Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity of sexual abuse or harassment?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Shelby County

Address 200 West College Street, Room 100

Columbiana, Alabama, 35051

Phone (205) 670-6510

Website http://www.shelbyal.com