Justice Youth Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Justice Youth Technician, you are more than a supervisor; you are a mentor, a guide, and a crucial agent of change in the lives of justice-involved youth. Your primary mission is to create a safe, secure, and structured environment where young people can develop pro-social behaviors, learn essential life skills, and work towards a positive future. You will be on the front lines, providing direct supervision, crisis intervention, and programmatic support, acting as a consistent and positive role model. This role demands resilience, empathy, and a firm but fair approach to help shape the trajectory of young individuals at a critical juncture in their lives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Direct Support Professional
Behavioral Health Technician
Security Officer
Social Work Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior Youth Technician / Shift Supervisor
Juvenile Case Manager
Juvenile Probation Officer
Facility Program Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Youth Advocate
Community Outreach Specialist
Restorative Justice Facilitator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide continuous, direct supervision and observation of youth residents in a secure or non-secure residential setting to ensure their safety, well-being, and accountability.
Actively engage with youth as a positive role model, building professional rapport and trust to facilitate behavioral change and personal growth.
Implement and manage daily routines and schedules, including meal times, school attendance, recreation, and hygiene, ensuring a structured and predictable environment.
Facilitate or co-facilitate evidence-based psycho-educational, recreational, and life skills groups designed to address topics like anger management, substance abuse, and healthy relationships.
Employ approved verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to manage and resolve conflicts between residents, intervening effectively in crisis situations to prevent physical altercations.
Conduct regular security checks of the facility, including resident rooms and common areas, to identify and remove contraband and ensure a safe physical environment.
Meticulously document all significant events, resident behaviors, progress notes, and incidents in official logs and electronic record-keeping systems in a timely and objective manner.
Perform intake and orientation procedures for new residents, explaining facility rules, expectations, and program components in a clear and supportive way.
Safely and securely transport youth to and from court appointments, medical visits, family visits, and other off-site activities using an agency vehicle.
Conduct individual and group counseling sessions under the guidance of clinical staff to help youth process trauma and work towards their individualized treatment plan goals.
Enforce facility rules, policies, and procedures consistently and fairly, utilizing a behavior management system that incorporates both positive reinforcement and appropriate consequences.
Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies, providing First Aid and CPR until professional medical assistance arrives.
Perform authorized physical searches of youth and their belongings upon admission, return from off-site trips, or when there is reasonable suspicion of contraband.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, case managers, teachers, and probation officers, to ensure a coordinated approach to each youth's care and treatment.
Monitor and document resident participation and progress in educational programming, providing encouragement and basic academic support as needed.
Inspect and maintain the physical security of the facility, including checking doors, windows, locks, and alarm systems, and reporting any deficiencies immediately.
Mediate disputes and guide youth in developing constructive problem-solving and communication skills to navigate interpersonal challenges.
Assist youth in developing critical life skills, such as budgeting, job readiness, cooking, and personal accountability, to prepare them for successful community reintegration.
Maintain a high level of situational awareness to anticipate potential problems, identify escalating behaviors, and proactively intervene to maintain order and safety.
Participate in resident case reviews and staff meetings, providing valuable frontline insights into a youth’s behavior, attitude, and progress.
Uphold the legal and civil rights of all residents while ensuring a safe and secure environment for both youth and staff.

Secondary Functions

Assist with the management and distribution of medication to residents as prescribed and in accordance with agency policy and training.
Contribute to maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility, guiding youth in completing their assigned chores and responsibilities.
Participate actively in ongoing professional development, in-service trainings, and mandatory certification courses to stay current with best practices.
Support logistical operations by assisting with inventory management of program supplies, linens, and resident hygiene products.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Techniques (e.g., CPI, MANDT)
Report Writing and Detailed Documentation
First Aid & CPR Certification
Knowledge of Juvenile Justice System Policies and Procedures
Physical Restraint and Self-Defense Techniques (as per agency training)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
Safe Vehicle Operation and Defensive Driving

Soft Skills

Exceptional Conflict Resolution and Mediation
High Level of Empathy and Cultural Competency
Strong Observational and Situational Awareness
Resilience and Advanced Stress Management
Sound Judgment and Critical Thinking in High-Pressure Situations
Clear, Assertive, and Professional Communication (Verbal & Written)
Patience and the Ability to Build Rapport with a Challenging Population
Teamwork and Collaboration
Firm, Fair, and Consistent Boundary Setting

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent. Must meet minimum age requirements (typically 21 years old).

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice
Social Work
Psychology
Sociology
Human Services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience working directly with at-risk adolescents or young adults in a structured setting such as group homes, residential treatment, corrections, or a related human services or security field.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a juvenile detention, correctional, or secure residential treatment setting is highly desirable. Experience applying evidence-based behavioral management programs is a significant plus.