Behavioural Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $58,042.00 - $72,552.00 Annually
Location : HAMILTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Chattanooga, TN
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 08/03/2026 -2734
Division: JUVENILE COURT JUDGE
Department: Juvenile Court Detention Unit
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
THIS IS A DEPARMENTAL PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY. ONLY CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY JUVENILE COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.
THIS POSTING IS FOR TWO (2) VACANICES.
This position requires a Federal NCIC background check and fingerprinting prior to accepting the position and every five (5) years thereafter as a condition of continued employment in the position.
Under general supervision, performs varied administrative tasks and functions as an assistant to the Detention Shift Supervisor in the operation of the Juvenile Detention Center and in assorted areas in support of the operation of the Detention Center.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.
Tasks
Under the direction of the Detention Shift Supervisor, assists with the following:
Compiles, oversees and reviews booking and release paperwork; fills out, compiles, develops and provides assorted records and reports; may conduct regular and periodic inspections; may conduct searches of individuals and facility areas, oversees and assists with coordination of transportation and escorting of detainees to court, medical appointments/services and other trips to and from the facility.
Maintains and reviews a variety of files and records; coordinates resources within the detention center; identifies and reports on behavior, activities and interactions between and among the detainees; oversees and dispenses medically-approved medications; may identify and recommend changes in policies and/or procedures; works a rotating shift with rotating schedules. Answer telephone, man lock controls, and monitor facility video feed. Communicates with and coordinates with both Detention Center officers and Juvenile Court personnel.
May be required to fill in if the Detention Shift Supervisor is absent, and may be required to fill in for Detention Officers when the need arises. May be required to perform transport duties for residents.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
Knowledge of applicable State of Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, operational policies and procedures, Federal rules and requirements.
Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the basic principles of management and supervision.
Knowledge of legal terminology and court processes and procedures.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of detainee supervision.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of record keeping, case and file management/maintenance.
Knowledge of CPR, First Aid, basic self defense and negotiation techniques.
Skill in reading, interpreting and applying applicable State of Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, operational policies and procedures, Federal rules and requirements and Hamilton County policies and procedures.
Skill in applying the basic principles of management and supervision.
Skills that support working with a diverse group of individuals that include judges, court staff, litigants, attorneys, detainees, their families and the general public.
Skill in working under pressure in a highly dynamic environment with changing program demands and
priorities.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with court employees, other court and non-court related agencies and representatives, detainees, their families and the public.
Skill in understanding and utilizing CPR, First Aid, basic self defense and negotiation techniques.
Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, other Behavioral Science, or a closely related field. A valid driver's license is required.
OR
An Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, other Behavioral Science, or a closely related field and one (1) year of direct work experience in security, law enforcement, social services, group homes, or a closely related field involving work with or exposure to juveniles and, at-risk youth that includes progressively responsible duties in staff management and supervision. A valid driver's license is required.
OR
The equivalent of a high school diploma and three (3) years of direct work experience in security, law enforcement, social services, group homes, or a closely related field involving work with or exposure to juveniles, at-risk youth that includes progressively responsible duties in staff management and supervision. A valid driver's license is required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires a Federal NCIC background check and fingerprinting prior to accepting the position and every five (5) years thereafter as a condition of continued employment in the position.
The position requires the incumbent to become and remain certified in CPR, First Aid and AED (automated external defibrillator) operation.
This position also requires the incumbent to become certified in the use of .2% Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.) and certain unarmed physical restraint techniques. Certification will be provided at the expense of the County on a training schedule outlined by the department.
The incumbent may be required to work overtime should it be deemed necessary to maintain safe staffing levels.
This position is deemed essential/situational during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.
Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.
SAFETY SENSITIVE:
This position has been identified as "safety sensitive" under the definition of TCA 50-9-103(16) (B), Drug-free Workplace Programs, Chapter Definitions. This position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing for the following: 1) post offer pre-employment 2) when there is reasonable cause 3) after an on-the-job accident or contributing to an accident 4) on a random basis 5) prior to return to duty after suspension and/or 6) as follow-up. This is additional and also subject to the Rules and Regulations of The Employee Handbook.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work requires sustained physical effort involving considerable walking and standing with limited sitting and driving. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, walk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust while performing the duties of this job.
Work is located within the Juvenile Detention Center and may involve exposure to infectious diseases, and potential injury from hostile, anti-social people within and related to detainees. Incumbents in this position may be required to lift and carry people and heavy, bulky items weighing up to 100 pounds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.
All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.
All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.
https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx
Hamilton County Government
Meeting the needs of the people where they live, work, and play!
Hamilton County, Tennessee offers a lower cost of living, ease of getting around, a lively arts tradition, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Working for Hamilton County Government provides many great benefits - take a look at a few of those highlighted below...
On-Site Employee Health Clinic

• No copay to utilize clinic services.
• Clinic services include routine office visits, sick visits, labs, flu shots, and more
• TextCare - Access to care 24/7 via TextCare, which is direct, unlimited access to medical care 24/7 through text message.

(Employee access to the clinic is available from day one. A covered spouse or dependent has access as soon as their health plan coverage is effective. Children age 3 and up who are covered by the County's insurance are eligible to be seen.)

• Telehealth - Two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and a practitioner through telecommunications, which may include audiovisual options.
• One to One Provider Network - Availability to utilize a network of providers that provide a high level of care at a lower copay/cost.
• Health Management Programs - Offered to help employees and their family members in managing the following health conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), and Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
• Nutritional guidance - Nutritional education provided to assist in making the appropriate food /health choices.

On-Site Employee Pharmacy

• Low-cost prescriptions available to those covered under the County health plan.
• Over the counter items offered at cost.
• RxLocal App - Mobile app provides a convenient way to stay connected and manage your health. Through the app you can request refills and ask questions.
• On-site Pharmacist available to answer questions and provide information.

Hamilton County Government offers competitive insurance coverage to fulltime employees.
Medical coverage is offered through Cigna to fulltime employees. The County pays a generous portion of the medical premium. Two options are available to choose from: LCP (Local Cost Plus) and OAP (Open Access Plus).

• The LCP has a smaller network that includes most providers and hospitals, with the exception of Parkridge facilities/providers.
• The OAP is a national network of facilities/providers that includes most providers/hospitals, including Parkridge.

Dental coverage is a voluntary benefit available to fulltime employees. Three coverage options are offered: Cigna High Plan, Cigna Low Plan, and Sun Life DHMO.

• The Cigna High Dental Plan covers orthodontia for children up to age 18. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Cigna Low Dental Plan does not cover orthodontia. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Sun Life DHMO plan is a prepaid dental plan that offers benefits through a network of plan dentists. A dental provider must be selected when enrolling and services must be provided by that provider for benefits to apply.

Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment is provided through Symetra. The County provides $30,000 of Basic Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost to fulltime employees.
Additional voluntary benefits fulltime employees have access to enroll in are as follows:
-Individual Short-Term Disability (STD) -Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD)
-Flexible Spending Account-Health Care -Flexible Spending Account-Dept. Care
-Flexible Spending Account-Transportation -Accident Insurance
-Critical Illness Insurance -Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Hamilton County Government Retirement for Fulltime Employees:
Pension - Legacy Plan (hired prior to 10/1/2015), in which the employer contributes 14.70%.
Pension - Hybrid Plan (hired on or after 10/1/2015), in which the employee contributes 5% and the employer contributes 4%.
401K - Employer contributes 5% and the employee can contribute the amount of their choice.
457b - Employees have the option to contribute to this plan if they choose.
Pre-Retirement Seminar:
Hamilton County Human Resources provides a pre-retirement seminar to those considering retirement, two times per year (1st and 3rd quarter of each year). Seminar topics covered may include:

• Health insurance assistance, Medicare info and counseling.
• Internal steps to take when an employee is ready to retire.
• Estate P