Detention Services Administrator - Detention

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARYThe Detention Services Administrator is responsible for the management, coordination, and oversight of juvenile detention operations and assigned detention support services. This position ensures compliance with applicable laws, detention standards, certification requirements, court orders, and agency policies while promoting safe, secure, and professional operations.The Administrator provides leadership to supervisors, civilian staff, and detention personnel while overseeing operational efficiency, policy implementation, compliance initiatives, staff development, budget administration, and interagency coordination.ESSENTIAL DUTIESJuvenile Services Oversee juvenile detention operations and programming.Ensure compliance with applicable juvenile detention laws, regulations, standards, and certification requirements.Coordinate juvenile intake, classification, housing, education, visitation, medical, behavioral health, and release processes.Monitor staffing levels, operational readiness, and facility performanceMaintain effective working relationships with juvenile probation, courts, schools, treatment providers, and community stakeholders.Direct and participate in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of juvenile programs, services, and operational improvement initiatives.Ensure the safety, welfare, and rights of juvenile detainees.Detention Support ServicesOversee operations with initial classification, assist as needed for booking/release, records, court services, compliance, and other assigned support functions.Develop, implement, and review policies, procedures, operational directives, and corrective action plans.Oversee records management, audits, inspections, compliance initiatives, and reporting requirements.Ensure emergency preparedness and continuity of operations.Prepare reports, recommendations, presentations, and operational analyses for executive leadership and county administration.Understanding of the accreditation processes for New Mexico, American Corrections Association and National Institute of Jail Operations.Personnel ManagementProvide direct supervision to assigned supervisors, managers, and administrative personnel.Participate in recruitment, promotion, and discipline process.Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and professional development planning.Promote employee accountability and adherence to agency expectations.Budget and Resource ManagementAssist in the preparation and administration of departmental budgets.Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of resources.Participate in procurement processes and contract management.Oversee the allocation of equipment, technology, fleet, and facility resources.Assist with the preparation and administration of grants, contracts, and funding proposals.Compliance, Risk Management, and InvestigationsEnsure compliance with the New Mexico Associations of Counties (NMAC), New Mexico Children's Code, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), CYFD certification requirements, applicable laws, and county policies.Coordinate inspections, certification reviews, audits, corrective action plans, and responses to regulatory findings.Ensure confidential juvenile records and information are maintained and protected in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.Interagency CoordinationServe as liaison with courts, juvenile probation and parole, law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney's Office,Public Defender's Office, medical and mental health providers, community organizations, state regulatory agencies, and the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD).Serve as the primary liaison with CYFD regarding juvenile detention certification, inspections, compliance reviews, and corrective action plans.Represent the detention center at meetings, committees, and public functions.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma or GED.Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in detention operations, criminal justice, compliance, records management, administration, juvenile services, or a related field, including two (2) years of supervisory, management, or administrative experience.Ability to obtain and maintain certifications required by the County and Detention Director within established timeframes.Valid driver's license when operating a vehicle for work-related purposes.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor 's degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.Experience supervising civilian and detention personnel.Experience in detention administration, compliance management, records management, training coordination, or policy development.Experience with records management systems, criminal justice databases, policy development, training programs, or compliance initiatives.CORE LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONSThe Detention Services Administrator shall:Lead with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.Foster a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.Promote staff development and succession planning.Ensure the fair and consistent application of policies and procedures.Maintain public trust through ethical and transparent leadership.Support the mission, vision, and values of the detention center and county government.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:Lea County goals, policies, procedures, and organizational structure. Detention operations, juvenile justice practices, records management, and court procedures. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, detention standards, accreditation requirements, and CYFD certification standards. New Mexico Children's Code and juvenile detention regulations. Criminal justice systems, administrative operations, and policy development. Juvenile record confidentiality requirements and information management practices. Records management systems, criminal history information systems, and detention databases.Skill in:Supervising, training, and evaluating personnel.Reviewing and analyzing legal, operational, and compliance documents.Problem-solving, decision-making, and implementing corrective actions.Written and verbal communication.Operating standard office and records management software.Ability to:Exercise sound judgment and discretion.Maintain confidentiality and data integrity.Communicate effectively with staff, detainees, officials, and the public.Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Work independently and collaboratively in a high-risk environment.Demonstrate professionalism in stressful or sensitive situations.PHYSICAL & WORKING CONDITIONSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to manipulate, touch, or grasp; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use a computer and cellphone/telephone ; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The physical/emotional demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.