Ellis Cherry
Berkeley Heights,NJ
Summary
Dynamic Juvenile Detention Officer with extensive experience at Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, skilled in crisis intervention and effective communication. Successfully fostered trust with detainees, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes and reducing repeat offenses. Proficient in security procedures and conflict resolution, dedicated to promoting positive behavior and supporting youth development.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Juvenile Detention Officer
Essex County Juvenile Detention Center
Newark, NJ
04.2006 - Current
- Established rapport with juvenile detainees through respectful communication that fostered trust-building relationships necessary for effective rehabilitation.
- Conducted room searches for contraband items to maintain a safe environment within the facility.
- Improved facility safety by conducting thorough and consistent security checks on all living quarters and common areas.
- Worked with juvenile offenders to help in development of decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Maintained a secure environment by utilizing de-escalation techniques during conflicts or confrontations between detainees.
- Served as a mentor for newly hired Juvenile Detention Officers providing guidance on best practices within the profession.
- Promoted positive behavior among detainees by implementing structured daily routines and encouraging adherence to facility policies.
- Assisted in the intake process for new detainees, ensuring proper documentation and orientation procedures were followed.
- Completed incident reports when disorder or violence occurs.
- Liaised with community organizations to arrange post-release support services for juveniles transitioning back into their communities.
- Conducted exit interviews with released detainees to gather information on their experiences, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and identify areas for improvement.
- Transported juvenile inmates to and from court hearings, medical facilities, classes, or recreational activities.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies or critical incidents involving detainees or staff members.
- Ensured timely completion of required paperwork including incident reports, progress notes, and evaluations.
- Observed and recorded mental and physical health of each juvenile offender.
- Supervised recreational activities for detainees to promote physical fitness and encourage positive social interactions.
- Enhanced communication with staff by participating in daily briefings, sharing relevant information about detainee activities, needs, and incidents.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on anger management, conflict resolution, decision-making skills, and other essential life skills.
- Reduced repeat offenses through active involvement in rehabilitation efforts such as counseling sessions, educational programs, and vocational training.
- Responded to inquiries from inmates and other members of public.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
Skills
- Life skills teaching
- Youth counseling
- Restraint techniques
- Exceptional oral communication skills
- Professional boundaries
- Security procedures
- Physical fitness
- Gang awareness
- Suicide prevention
- De-escalation techniques
- Human relations
- Recreational activities
- Detainee guidance
- Exceptional written communication skills
- Restraining methods
- Interactions concepts
- Restraining techniques
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Inmate supervision
- Multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Safety and security
- Correctional facility procedures
- Inmate transport
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Safety and security enforcement
- Conflict resolution skills
- Mental health awareness
- Observation
- Cell inspections
- Substance Abuse Knowledge
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Relationship building
- Firearm safety
- Incident investigation
- Booking procedures
- Documentation skills
- File and record maintenance
- Surveillance
- Supervisory skills
- Public safety
- Crowd control
- Search and seizure procedures
- Conflict resolution
- Risk assessment
- First aid certification
- Inmate behavior modification tactics
- Crisis intervention
- Central and pod control
Timeline
Juvenile Detention Officer
Essex County Juvenile Detention Center
04.2006 - Current