What are the responsibilities and job description for the Juvenile Services Specialist I position at City of Chesapeake?
Position Information
Working Title of Vacant Position
Juvenile Services Specialist I
Job Type
Full Time
Posting Type
Public
Number of Vacancies
3
Department
HUMAN SVCS
Division
HS JUVENILE SERVICES
Requisition Number
2025390
Number of hours worked per week
40
Work Schedule
CJS is a 24-Hour Facility
We are currently seeking several candidates for various shift positions
We are currently seeking several candidates for various shift positions
Please note: Shift schedule is subject to change based on operational needs.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Work Site Location
420 Albemarle Dr. Chesapeake, VA
Position Driving Requirement
O - Occasional
Pay Grade
GE07
Pay Basis
Semi-Monthly
Advertised Salary
$44,735/annual
Job Description
This is a great time to work for the City of Chesapeake! Juvenile Services is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Juvenile Services Specialist in our secure detention facility. This role is responsible for supervising and supporting youth residents, promoting positive behavior, and ensuring a safe and structured environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct daily activities of residents using approved behavioral management strategies.
- Exercise independent judgment and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including daily electronic log cards and incident reports.
- Conduct individual and group counseling sessions with residents.
- Perform crisis intervention and maintain case management files.
- Transport residents to court appearances, appointments, or other authorized activities.
- Plan and facilitate individual and group recreational activities.
- Complete daily room and unit audits; assist nursing staff as a medical aide if assigned.
- Conduct resident searches after outings or visits; supervise nightly showers.
- Oversee residents in school, on the unit, and during recreational time.
- Physically restrain residents when necessary to prevent injury and maintain safety.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the facility’s mission.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- General understanding of counseling principles and practices, particularly with juvenile offenders.
- Ability to build rapport with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Strong crisis management, communication, and observational skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
- Familiarity with juvenile justice systems, trauma-informed care, or secure residential settings is a plus.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Required Qualifications
Vocational/Educational Requirement: Requires high school diploma and formal training or special courses equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education in criminal justice, law enforcement or a closely related field.
Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of six months of related, full-time equivalent experience. Preferred experience participating in group counseling sessions in a group home, detention center, or non-secure residential setting.
Special Certifications and Licenses: Depending on position, may require a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Requires Handle With Care, CPR, and First Aid certifications within 45 days of hire.
Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of six months of related, full-time equivalent experience. Preferred experience participating in group counseling sessions in a group home, detention center, or non-secure residential setting.
Special Certifications and Licenses: Depending on position, may require a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Requires Handle With Care, CPR, and First Aid certifications within 45 days of hire.
Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Preferred Qualifications
- General knowledge of the techniques and means of interviewing;
- Some knowledge of the fundamental principles of adolescent psychology;
- Thorough knowledge of the laws and procedures related to juvenile detainees;
- Ability to counsel and conduct interviews of a personal, sensitive nature;
- Ability to communicate complex social ideas effectively, orally and in writing; and possess excellent computer skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city agency officials, court personnel, co-workers, residents, and residents’ parents or guardians.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
09/29/2025
Job Close Date
10/13/2025
Open Continuous
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
ADA Checklist
Overall Physical Strength Demands
Overall Physical Strength Demands
L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Standing
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Sitting
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Walking
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Lifting
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Lifting Amount
Exerting up to 20 lbs
Carrying
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Carrying Weight
Exerting up to 20 lbs
Pushing/Pulling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Pushing/Pulling Weight
Exerting up to 20 lbs
Reaching
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Handling
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Fine Dexterity
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Kneeling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Crouching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Crawling
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Bending
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Twisting
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Climbing
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Balancing
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Vision
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Hearing
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Talking
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Foot Controls
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used
General office equipment, hand held two-way radios
Protective Equipment Required
Security belt and handcuffs (supplied by Juvenile Services)
Health and Safety
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Mechanical Hazards
N = Never
Chemical Hazards
N = Never
Electrical Hazards
N = Never
Fire Hazards
N = Never
Explosives
N = Never
Communicable Diseases
S = Seasonally
Physical Danger or Abuse
N = Never
Other
If Other, Description
Environmental Factors
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Dirt and Dust
S = Seasonally
Extreme Temperatures
N = Never
Noise and Vibration
N = Never
Fumes and Odors
N = Never
Wetness/Humidity
S = Seasonally
Darkness or Poor Lighting
N = Never
Primary Work Location
Other
Non-Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Time Pressures
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Emergency Situations
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequent Change of Tasks
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Tedious or Exacting Work
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Noisy/Distracting Environment
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Other
If Other, Description
Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)
All tasks, when needed by other Juvenile Services Specialist I’s or by the Juvenile Services Supervisors
Professional References
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Minimum Requests
0
Maximum Requests
4
Salary : $44,735
