Detention Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center is seeking a Detention Specialist to work in a detention facility for juveniles, ages 11-17 years old.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE POSITION:

1. Upon arrival, establish arrival time per the hand reader. Read and initial daily logs, check the room assignment board to establish the number of residents in custody and their whereabouts, i.e., out of the building, court, placement interviews, etc;

2. Read SIRs and other behavioral information pertinent to the residents' behavior;

3. Discuss pertinent information regarding detainee’s behavior with the Shift Supervisor, coworkers and the Detention Specialist whom the staff is relieving;

4. As per assignment, supervise the residents in the classrooms, clean up, recreation, and during the meal time, assuring security and safety of the residents and coworkers;

5. As per assignment, complete intakes and releases of residents as established by Detention Center Policy and Procedure;

6. Assign and supervise residents in the daily housekeeping tasks, i.e., making the bed, cleaning the room, mopping, disinfecting the sink and toilet, cleaning the window in the door. Assure that all material not expressly allowed in the room is removed by the detainee. Supervise the residents in other cleanups at the completion of activities;

7. Assist in maintaining a daily log of intakes and releases, administering of medication, logging of unusual behavior, completion in detail of SIRs, and other pertinent items of information as delineated by the Detention Center’s Policy and Procedures;

8. Maintain discipline and control of the residents; and observe detainee constantly to detect potentially dangerous or deceptive acts. Intervene with detainee when situation dictates, utilizing the appropriate interventions as delineated by Detention Center Policy and Procedures;

9. Employs basic counseling skills to help relieve residents’ anxieties and tensions, but limited to the current situation within the detention facility; and

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Must be at least 21 years of age

- Possess any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and one year of work experience which may include: two years of college credit in a related field and two years of work experience with juveniles or three or more years of direct work experience with at-risk juveniles.

- Must be physically fit and able to successfully complete Handle with Care (physical restraint training), CPR, First Aid and AED.

- Must be aware of and show proficiency in planning, resourcing and implementing child friendly recreational, education, and social activities.

- Ability to stand for prolonged period of time.

- Highly observant with the ability to make prompt decisions concerning the safety of residents, staff, and professionals.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree with courses in human behavioral science, criminal justice orrelated field and one year of work experience with juveniles or four years of work experience in related field.

Benefits include the following:

Retirement, Health Care, Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability.

Additional optional benefits: 457 deferred compensation plan, Roth IRA, Individual Retirement Account and Supplemental Life Insurance.

The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Corrections: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Alexandria, VA 22304 (Required)

Work Location: In person