Sr. Detention Specialist

Overview

Are you passionate about helping young people and making a real impact on your community? The Prince William County Office of Youth Services is seeking to hire a Senior Detention Specialist for the PWC Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) in Manassas, Virginia. JDC provides secure custody to juveniles ages 12-20 who are criminally charged pending court adjudication, awaiting transfer to another facility, or an appropriate placement.

If you can demonstrate good decision-making skills and excellent personal judgment, this role can be personally and professionally rewarding.

Hiring Bonus - This position qualifies for a hiring bonus of $5,000, paid in two equal installments. The first installment of $2,500 is payable after 90 days of employment completed. The final $2,500 installment is due upon completion of the probationary period.

The Senior Detention Specialist works under the general supervision of a Detention Supervisor or Detention Assistant Superintendent and provides a safe and secure environment through the following:

• Supervise detainee activities during the assigned shift.
• Organize and supervise recreational, educational, and life skills programs.
• Conduct group activities on topics such as problem solving, anger management, and decision-making.
• Enforce facility regulations, policies, and procedures; recommend revisions when needed.
• Accurately complete security checks, reports, logbook entries, file reviews, and other required paperwork.
• Perform intake procedures.
• Respond to disorderly youth when necessary.
• Complete incident reports for rule violations or emergencies.
• Complete shift-change reports and brief incoming staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with facility standards and compliance requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the shift supervisor or Assistant Superintendent.

Ideally, candidates will have experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in a secure facility. Any experience with youth or at-risk youth is welcome. You should be able to work independently, make decisions based on established policies and procedures, model positive decision-making, and guide youth to make better choices. The role may require the ability to perform physical restraints using appropriate techniques.

Basic computer skills and the ability to use monitoring equipment such as video cameras and handheld radios are required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply.

High school diploma or GED and 2 years of experience working and/or volunteering with youth in areas such as youth activities/training, social services, security, military, law enforcement, or detention.

• Knowledge of trends and practices for working with at-risk youth.
• Experience with at-risk youth in a secure setting.
• Experience in law enforcement or security.
• Experience with positive behavioral modification methods, pro-social engagement, progressive engagement, trauma-informed models, and conflict resolution.
• Experience teaching life skills, problem-solving, anger management, and decision-making.
• Experience using physical restraint techniques such as appropriate programs.
• CPR/First Aid Certified.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

40 hours weekly with rotating 12-hour shifts, including mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays as required by staffing and operational needs. This position may require mandatory overtime due to operational needs.

• Must pass local, state, and federal background checks.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and physical fitness test.
• Must pass a Child Protective Services record check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Must pass DMV record check.
• Must be able to work any shift and overtime, including in inclement weather.
• Designated mandatory reporter of child abuse.
• Must complete Handle With Care (HWC) training; CPR & First Aid certification; PREA training within 90 days of employment.
• Not a resource/foster parent for a child in PWC DSS foster care program.

Salary…