Female Youth Services Specialist; Overnight

Overview

Introduction 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 Detention Specialist for the Molinari Juvenile Shelter in Manassas, Virginia. The Molinari Juvenile Shelter (MJS) is a short-term residential detention alternative for boys and girls ages 10 to 17 who are in crisis and need temporary placement.

This position is assigned to the female dorm, housing girls ages 10-17. Therefore, for this role, we are seeking qualified female applicants. Male applicants are welcome to apply for future vacancies assigned to the male dorm. If you believe you can make a difference and can demonstrate good decision-making skills and personal judgment, this role can be personally and professionally rewarding.

This position qualifies for a hiring bonus of $5,000. The bonus will be paid in two equal installments: $2,500 after ninety (90) days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of the probationary period.

What The Job Entails

The Detention Specialist will work under the general supervision of a Shelter Detention Supervisor or the Shelter Assistant Superintendent. The role will provide a safe and secure environment through the following:

• Maintain direct supervision of residents in assigned dorm.
• Accurately complete all security checks, reports, logbook entries, file reviews, and other required paperwork.
• Ensure residents remain in assigned rooms or areas during sleeping hours.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to disturbances, medical needs, or behavioral incidents.
• Complete incident reports as required for any rule violations or emergencies.
• Complete shift change reports and brief incoming staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with facility and compliance standards.

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

Ideally, experience with at-risk youth, preferably in a non-secure residential or secure facility. Any experience working with youth or at-risk youth is welcome. Must be able to work independently and make decisions based on established policies and procedures; demonstrate positive decision-making and guide youth to better choices; ability to perform physical restraints when necessary using the “Handle with Care” techniques; basic computer skills and the ability to use handheld radios.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) speakers are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Education, Required Skills & Experience

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 1 year of experience working and/or volunteering with youth in activities/training, social services, security, military, law enforcement, or detention.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of trends and practices for working with at-risk youth
• Experience in nonsecure or secure settings
• Experience with at-risk youth in secure or non-secure residential settings
• Experience facilitating psycho-educational groups
• Experience with positive behavioral modification methods, pro-social engagement, trauma-informed models, and conflict resolution
• Experience using physical restraint techniques such as "Handle with Care"
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

• 40 hours weekly. Back End
  
  Shifts:
  
  Wednesday-Saturday overnight (10 pm–8 am).
• Front-End
  
  Shifts:
  
  Sunday-Wednesday overnight (10 pm–8 am); other shifts as required.
• Must pass local, state, and federal background checks.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical/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.
• Must be able to get to work in inclement weather.
• Designated mandatory reporter of child abuse.
• Must pass Handle With Care (HWC) training; CPR & First Aid certification; PREA training within 30 days of employment.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $25.44 - $29.05

Hiring Incentive Additional Information

This position qualifies for Level II Hiring Incentive. Fifty percent of the incentive will be paid after ninety (90) days of employment and the remaining fifty percent will be paid after the probationary…