Detention Specialist (Female)

The Prince William County Office of Youth Services is seeking to hire a highly motivated person for a Female Detention Specialist position at the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) located in Manassas on Rt. 234. JDC provides secure custody to juveniles between the ages of 12 and 20 who are criminally charged, pending court adjudication, awaiting transfer to another facility, or awaiting an appropriate placement. This position is assigned to the female dorm (although you will mainly work on the female unit, the population demands will dictate where you will be assigned). 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 in someone's life and can demonstrate good decision-making skills and excellent personal judgment, then you will find this job personally and professionally rewarding.

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

WHAT THE JOB ENTAILS

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

• Supervise detainee activities during 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, and recommend revisions to policies and procedures.
• Monitor their assigned work areas to ensure safety and efficient operations.
• Perform intake procedures to include completing intakes, releases, tracking court dates, and coordinating with other agencies.
• Respond to disorderly youth and perform physical restraint techniques when necessary.
• Facilitate video conferencing for court hearings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the shift supervisor or Assistant Superintendent.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Ideally, we seek an individual who has experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in a secure facility. However, any experience working with youth or at-risk-youth is welcome. You will need the ability to work independently and make decisions based on established policies and procedures; commit to modeling positive decision-making skills and guiding youth to make better choices; an ability to perform physical restraints when necessary, using the "Handle with Care" techniques; basic computer skills and the ability to utilize basic monitoring equipment such as video cameras and 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 any of the following areas: education, recreation, human services, security, military, law enforcement, or secure residential setting.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

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

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS 

12-hour shifts: Day 7 am-7 pm or Night 7 pm-7 am

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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
• Must be able to work 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 (Prison Rape Elimination Act) training within 90 days of employment

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $25.44 - $29.05

HIRING INCENTIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position qualifies for Level II Hiring Incentive - Fifty percent (50%) of the incentive will be paid after ninety (90) days of employment have been completed. The payment will be processed in the paycheck for the pay period that includes the ninetieth (90th) calendar day. The remaining fifty percent (50%) will be paid following the completion of the probationary period. The payment will be processed in the paycheck for the pay period that includes the probation end date. Should the employee voluntarily terminate employment with the County, the employee shall repay the net amount (minus state and federal taxes) of the first bonus installment payment via a deduction from the annual leave payout. Should the annual leave payout not cover the net bonus amount, the employee will repay the remaining amount within thirty (30) days following separation of employment from the County.

NOTES

We also offer great benefits, including:

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans 
• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans 
• Optional Group Life Insurance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for PSLF additional information.

The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SEE YOURSELF HERE!

Salary : $23 - $45