Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor position provides supervision and directs Youth Care Workers in the care and custody of youths who have been alleged and/or adjudicated delinquent, and are residents of the Northampton County Juvenile Justice Center. The Juvenile Justice Center Supervisor is operationally responsible, through the work performed by subordinate positions, for the security and care of youths on a day-to-day basis.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Juvenile Justice Center Deputy Director of Operations and/or a higher-level official in the Juvenile Justice Center.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is responsible for supervision over the following classifications: Youth Care Worker and Juvenile Justice Center Assistant Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Assists in the management of detention operations and provides direct care work to the juveniles in the institution, and direction and supervisor of childcare services during the assigned shift.

Develops work assignments for Youth Care Workers and schedules post assignments on a daily basis.

Informs Youth Care Workers of new and revised procedures and policies.

Tours and inspects facility on a routine basis to ascertain general circumstances, observe work in progress, and the overall activities conducted during shift.

Determines coverage needs according to changing circumstances as a result of special programs, fire drills, and youth transports outside of the facility.

Observes activities, groups, and conduct while assessing atmosphere.

Coordinates and assigns staff as necessary to provide complete coverage of the facility.

Trains newly hired Youth Care Workers and reports immediately on any difficulties or potential problems.

Provides information and recommends changes in programs, goals, policies, and operations and assists in the development of same.

Provides control and handles juvenile inappropriate behavior, including the use of restraints or isolation when necessary, and issues incident reports.

Provides information for inclusion in and/or prepares statistical and other reports.

Ensures that applicable laws and statutes are followed.

Responsible for the control of youth medication. Issues medications on established schedules and documents any responses.

Responds to any needed medical care. Provides first aid when needed.

Assesses and determines nature/cause of any facility problems and takes or suggests corrective action in procedures or operations.

Prepares daily shift reports, detailing any prominent events during shift.

Prepares special reports and performs related administrative duties.

Performs job related duties as assigned, including duties of a Youth Care Worker as needed.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Completion of an Associate’s Degree in Social or Behavioral sciences or a related field of study; AND

At least three (3) years full-time experience as a Youth Care Worker with the County of Northampton; OR

At least three (3) years of full-time experience in a field working with youths with emotional, social, or legal problems.

NOTE: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Criminal Justice may be substituted for one (1) year of the general work experience requirement; AND

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  
Thorough knowledge of the regulations and operations affecting all aspects of the operation of a facility housing youths who have been alleged or adjudicated delinquent.

Knowledge of the supervisory methods and techniques commonly employed in planning, assigning, and reviewing the work of Youth Care Workers.

Knowledge of the growth stages of youth social, emotional, and mental development through the teen years.

Skill in communicating and supervising the activities of youth in custody, including ensuring their safety and security.

Ability to establish and maintain understanding and effective relationships with youth and professionals in the field.

Ability to use physical techniques to control resident typically between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age.

Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

Must be available to work shifts in a 24 hour, 7-day operation.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, paper shredder, radio, and handcuffs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.  

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to one hundred (100) pounds, while physical restraining a resident.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job

The noise level in the work environment varies.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


FLSA STATUS:    FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:    CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE:        CS/GR20
UNION STATUS:  NON-UNION

Updated December 2024