JUVENILE DETENTION SPECIALIST, JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

Juvenile Detention Specialist

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the position of Juvenile Detention Specialist assigned to the Juvenile Detention Center. The Juvenile Detention Specialist performs generalized corrections work in the care, custody, and control of juvenile detainees.

Please note : Selected applicant will be assigned to a night shift position.

Required document : Each applicant must complete a notarized background investigation waiver. Failure to submit this document will disqualify your application. The waiver must be notarized and submitted with the pre-screen application.

Applications must be submitted before the closing date of October 28, 2025.

Typical Duties

The duties listed below are in addition to the duties assigned under the associated job description. The omission of specific work statements does not necessarily exclude them from being performed by the position and is for illustrative purposes only.

Processes detention intake and releases; responsible for searching detainees. Searches and removes all unauthorized personal articles and contraband from detainees. Exercises reasonable and / or special care or action, as the need dictates or as directed, in handling special or unusual detainees. Escorts detainees using handcuffs, approve physical techniques, and other approved restraints.

Effectively control the juvenile admitted to the facility, using maneuvers and techniques taught in training by the approve physical training curriculum.

Pursue fleeing detainees and perform rescue operations and other duties which may involve quickly entering and exiting secured areas; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing up to and down from elevated surfaces; jumping over obstacles; crawling in confined areas; and using the approved physical techniques to gain entrance or subdue resisting detainees.

Perform rescue functions in accidents within the facility, emergencies and disasters including standing for long periods, administering basic emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from confined areas.

Communicate effectively and coherently with other officers, community partners, and juveniles using existing communications systems, and demonstrate communications skills in court and other formal settings as required.

May be required to drive Sheriff's Office vehicles in the transportation of juveniles.

Must understand and adhere to the standards of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

Performs other duties as required or as may be necessary for the efficient and effective performance of the position functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicant must have a High School Diploma / GED; Associate's Degree preferred.

Applicant must have one (1) year responsible work experience, which involves law enforcement related duties or dealing with youth preferred.

Consideration may be given to equivalent combination of related training, education and experience.

Applicant must be able to complete PAR training within six (6) months of employment or assignment to this position.

Internal applicants must have completed the Seminole County Sheriff's Office one (1) year probationary period.

Applicant must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other

Knowledge of Sheriff's Office rules and regulations as applied to juvenile detention centers; of interviewing and counseling techniques.

Ability to work independently without constant supervision; to communicate both orally and in writing; to understand interpret and implement policies, law and procedures in regards to Florida Statute Chapter 985; to plan, organize, prioritize and coordinate work assignments; to analyze information or situations; synthesize information and / or circumstances; solve problems; recall facts and / or information; describe persons, things, and / or events; read and comprehend information; to appropriately wear and operate a self-contained breathing apparatus; to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.

Working conditions : The work environment for this position is normally within the confined setting of a Juvenile Detention Facility. The use of a radio and the MCT (Mobile Computer Terminal) may be necessary. This position is required to drive and transport youth to various locations within the County.

Physical attributes requirements :

Mobility - Frequent standing and / or sitting for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, required to drive an agency vehicle and / or transport inmates; constant use of a computer

Lifting - Able to lift 50 pounds

Visual - Constant overall vision; color perception, constant eye-hand coordination; frequent reading / close-up work; constant field of vision / peripheral

Dexterity - Frequent repetitive motion and reaching

Hearing / Talking - Constant requirement to hear normal speech; constant hearing on telephone and radio; constant talking on telephone / radio

Emotional / Psychological - Potential contact with hostile individuals; direct inmate contact, exposure to emergency situations; may be exposed to trauma, grief and death; frequent public contact; decision-making and concentration

Special requirements - Ability to behave respectably and with utmost integrity even when off duty. Shift work (days or nights) with rotating days off including working weekends, nights, holidays, and / or overtime; may be required to respond for any critical incident, manmade or natural; must be able to appropriately wear and operate a self-contained breathing apparatus

Environmental - Exposure to varied weather conditions

Unclassified position