Lead Juvenile Detention Officer

Lead Juvenile Detention Officer

Salary

$45,969.00 - $71,252.00 Annually

Location

Youth Justice Center 1410 E. Diversion Rd Florence, AZ 85132, AZ

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600422

Department

Juvenile Court Services

Opening Date

08/28/2026

Closing Date

9/13/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DESCRIPTION

Join us in keeping detained youth safe, secure, and successful as they navigate the court process and return to the community.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the safety and well-being of juveniles referred to the Juvenile Court Detention Center by monitoring and maintaining a structured, safe, caring, healthy, and learning environment for juveniles. This position supports oversight of day-to-day operations of a shift within the facility.

Check out more about our facility and what its like to work here.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The Superior Court in Pinal County values your experience. We review every candidate for a salary offer that is both equitable and applicable to the position range. Based upon your direct experience and background, a salary offer will be presented to you within our starting minimum to midpoint of range ($45,969 - $58,611).

WHY US?

Pinal County and the Superior Court offer amazing benefits. Who knew there was a workplace that wants to see your wellbeing by providing you with a Sabbatical starting at 5 years of service? Plus paid vacation, sick, and holidays? And benefit plans that include things like hospital coverage, pharmacy, medical, vision, dental... and more! We strive to work hard and reward hard work with our perks and balance. Benefits | Pinal County, AZ

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Implements and delivers programs to juveniles, supporting detention philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Assists supervisors in the successful implementation of court and detention division initiatives, programs, and activities.
• Provides effective role modeling and mentoring to juveniles in the facility.
• Assists in the training and monitoring of work activities for subordinate officers; may assist in the evaluation of Detention Officers by providing feedback to management on the work activities for subordinate officers.
• Assesses effectiveness of work teams implementation of behavior management program and facilitates continuous improvement processes including staff training and program development.
• Observes the behaviors of juveniles and situations that occur, recalls facts and prepares written reports.
• Monitors the detention facility to ensure a safe environment for both the juveniles and staff.
• Observes and ensures security of the facility in accordance with applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center; determines rule infractions, takes appropriate action, and reports violations and/or incidents.
• Prepares incident reports, updates logs for daily activities, documents and/or reports pertinent incidents to supervision.
• Processes new arrivals into detention facility.
• Escorts juveniles to and from Superior Court courtrooms and throughout the facility, restrained or unrestrained; maintains appropriate level of safety and security during juvenile movement.
• Drives a court vehicle to transport juveniles, as required.
• Reacts to physical confrontations and emergency situations quickly and effectively using sanctioned techniques; takes appropriate actions to effectively de-escalate situations and applies mechanical restraints as necessary.
• Performs physical searches such as pat-downs and strip searches in accordance with statutory requirements.
• May testify at hearing or in court.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Minimum 21 years of age at time of hire; AND

• High school diploma or equivalent GED; AND

• Three (3) years of experience monitoring, mentoring and providing direct services to juveniles in a juvenile detention center, group care facility, criminal justice or educational environment; OR

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

• Required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver's License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.

• CPR, Food handlers certifications required within 90 days of hire;

• Will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and some overtime, as scheduled.

• Subject to immediate callout when an emergency occurs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• The purpose of juvenile detention, court and justice system environments.
• Applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center.
• Report preparation and record keeping as they pertain to court system.
• Adolescent behavior and supervision methods for juveniles.
• Security considerations and measures.

Ability to

• Follow instructions, both verbal and written.
• Assign and lead work; assist in enforcing applicable Federal, State, County and related laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the detention center.
• Maintain confidentiality in court related matters.
• Observe behaviors and quickly analyze situations, detect problems and recall facts, respond to emergencies or stressful situation calmly, quickly, and decisively.
• Use a personal computer, electronic networks and other information and communications technologies.
• Prepare clear, concise reports to management.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend, and sit for prolonged periods of time and/or drive a vehicle. Will be required to stand and walk for at least half of their scheduled work shift Manual dexterity to reach, and grasp; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard; vision sufficient to see and read; hear and speak to communicate with customers in person and over the phone; lifting up to 50 pounds, unloading, pushing and carrying small files/objects to and from various locations throughout the County.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed inside the confinement of a correctional facility and/or office setting. Will be required to drive throughout the state.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications.

Working for the Judicial Branch in a safety-sensitive position, you are required to submit to pre-employment examinations that may include but is not limited to: criminal history with fingerprints and driving history, background interview, drug screening, psychological examination, and reference checks.

Pinal County offers some of the best benefits in Arizona! We offer a wide range of employee benefits. You can Read more details about our organizations benefit program or you can review the list below:

• An Employer that Values Each Employee and Prioritizes a Work Experience that Provides Ample Time for Stress Reduction and Work Life Balance.

• Paid Vacation And Sick Leave

• 15 Vacation Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One

• After Three (3) Years of Service 18 Vacation Days Accrued Annually

• After Five (5) Years of Service 20 Vacation Days Accrued Annually

• Ten Paid Holidays + One Paid Floating Holiday to Use as You Wish

• 13 Sick Leave Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One

• Paid Sabbaticals Every Five (5) Years

• Two Week Sabbatical After Five Years of Continuous Service

• Three Week Sabbatical After Ten Years of Continuous Service

• Four Week Sabbatical After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service

• Four Week Sabbaticals Every Five Years After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service

• Retirement Plans with Generous Employer Contributions - Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit!

• Top Tier Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

• Insure your whole family on a PPO plan for as low as $57.94/mo.

• Insure you and your children on a PPO plan for ZERO premium cost

• Comprehensive Wellness Program

• Onsite Mammogram and Prostate Screening Events

• Skin Cancer Screening Events Onsite

• Biometrics and Health Screening Events Onsite

• Financial Health and Retirement Planning Events Onsite & Online

• Fitness Resources and Onsite Sessions Like Yoga and Tai Chi

• Quarterly Well Challenges

• Vaccination Clinics Onsite

• Vision Exams and Optometry Events Onsite

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Alternative Work Schedules

• Telehealth

• Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the Dept of Education

• Employee Assistance Program with Ongoing Training & Development Options

• Civil Service Leave

• VanPool Options

• Short-Term Disability - Employer Paid

• Basic Life Insurance - Employer Paid

• Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Medical Expenses

• Suite of Voluntary Benefits including additional Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance

01

INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this online supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated along with your application.

All questions must be answered. You are encouraged to respond as specifically and as completely as possible. Attaching or referencing a resume will not be considered responsive. Answers related to specific job experience must be reflected on your application. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission of a material fact and partial information can result in disqualification.

• Please check the box to indicate you have read and understood the instructions.

02

The department will use the email address and phone number listed on your application to contact you for interviews and status notifications.

Do you understand that if you choose to omit, provide incorrect or outdated information you may be omitted from notifications about important steps in the recruitment process, including self-scheduling for interviews?

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• None
• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree/Juris Doctorate
• PhD or equivalent

04

Which of the following best describes the number of years of experience you have working or volunteering with youth ages 8-19?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

05

What is your experience in a detention center work environment? Please detail your experience working in detention operations for either youth or adult.

06

Have you ever been terminated, discharged, or forced to resign from any position?

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered yes to the question above, please name the employer, explain the circumstances and date of occurrence.

If not applicable, type "N/A" in the box below.

08

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: In accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), the Juvenile Court Services Department shall not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with residents (detained juveniles), who has:

(1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997;

(2) 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; or

(3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged 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.

Please acknowledge you have read and understand the PREA requirements.

• I have read and understand the PREA requirement as noted above.

09

The Youth Justice Center is a 24/7 operation. This position may be required to work irregular shifts to include rotating days off, nights, weekends, holidays, as well as mandatory compensatory time when there is a staff shortage and staff/youth ratios must be maintained. Are you willing to accept a position that requires this type of shift work?

• Yes
• No

10

Please upload the documents listed below.

Incomplete or missing documents may result in delayed background processes if you are selected for conditional offer.

Additional documents:

Cover Letter

Resume

College Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)

Two most recent performance appraisals. (If not applicable, you may substitute letters of reference from your employer)

• I understand my application will not be reviewed by the hiring department until all required additional documents have been attached.

11

The Superior Court in Pinal County conducts an extensive background investigation of criminal history. A criminal conviction does not constitute an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually and based on job requirements. However, felony convictions and some violent misdemeanor convictions may result in disqualification for employment with the Superior Court. "Crime" as used in this section means any and all felonies, misdemeanors, and serious driving offenses. "Crime" does not include minor civil traffic offenses. "Convicted" means that you have been found guilty by a court or jury, pleaded guilty or no contest to a crime and/or have been sentenced for a crime, whether incarcerated, placed on probation, fined or received a suspended sentence. Do you understand you will be required to pass an extensive background that includes a criminal history check (which may include additional evaluations), in addition to education and employment verification?

• Yes
• No

12

Please disclose your criminal history.

• I have no criminal history. Not even a parking ticket.
• Driving stuff only. Speed, parking, etc.
• I have been detained and/or arrested but never charged or cited.
• I have been found guilty or paid a fine for non-violent misdemeanor charges.
• I have been found guilty or paid fine for a violent misdemeanor or a felony charge.

13

Have you ever used dangerous/illegal drugs as defined in Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes: https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03401.htm (if link is not active, please copy/paste)?

• Yes
• No

14

Please indicate if you have ever:

• have had a history of allegations or findings of sexual abuse.
• have had a history of allegations or findings of staff sexual misconduct.
• have had a history of allegations or findings of sexual harassment.
• None of the above

15

Based on the job description in this posting, I am able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Yes
• No

16

In accordance with Arizona Statute 38-492 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/38/00492.htm), if you qualify for Veterans Preference Points, indicate below what type and be sure to attach the required documentation of DD-214, Form FL-802, Form SF-15, or Veterans Administration Office equivalent certification (1-800-827-1100 VA Regional Office) accordingly. It is your responsibility to identify type and provide the required documentation if you wish full Preference Point consideration.

• Veteran
• Disabled Veteran
• Spouse of Disabled/Deceased Veteran
• Does not apply

Required Question

Employer Pinal County

Department Juvenile Court Services Address 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Bldg. A

Florence, Arizona, 85132

Phone 520-866-7065