Detention Division Manager - Juvenile Services

Ada County, Idaho; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ada County Juvenile Services in Boise, Idaho is seeking a seasoned leader to manage detention programs, oversee day-to-day operations, and guide staff toward a trauma-informed, restorative approach.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Social Work/Criminal Justice/Public Administration (Master’s preferred), 3+ years of supervisory experience, and deep knowledge of juvenile law and detention practices; you will shape policies, budgets, training, and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Administration or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Three years of supervisory/management experience required.
• Considerable experience in juvenile justice setting preferred.
• Knowledge of juvenile court laws and detention facilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches in working with youth.

Responsibilities

• Manage detention programs for Ada County Juvenile Services.
• Develop and oversee detention policy and procedures.
• Ensure safety, security, health and welfare of juveniles in confinement.
• Oversee 24/7 operations and lead detention staff.
• Coordinate with officials of institutions and agencies regarding detention matters.
• Prepare and manage department budget.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Juvenile justice

Policy & procedure development

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Ada County is a great place to work! We have over 2300 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life. Our Juvenile Services team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 13.98% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

OUR VISION

Inspiring hope for the future

OUR VALUES

• Caring- We care about the work we do, the individuals we serve and the people we work with.
• Authentic- We value our individual strengths and unique passions, and we play to the strengths of others.
• Positive- We look for the good and we bring energy and enthusiasm to our work.
• Present - We choose to be here, and we listen actively and with respect.

Learn more about Ada County Juvenile Services by visiting their website. Ada County Juvenile Services

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:

Manages detention programs for Ada County Juvenile Services. Develops, implements, and oversees detention division programming, policy, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations, adherence to the balanced and restorative justice philosophy, application of best practices and current trends, and to ensure the safety, security, health, and well-being of all juveniles in the care of the detention center. Manages the 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operations of the detention center and leads detention staff including juvenile detention officers, health services staff, food services staff, recreation programs staff, and placement programs staff.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

Performs varied and complex work under the general direction of the Director of Juvenile Services. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, employ independent judgment, exercise discretion, and complete work assignments with minimal oversight.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a member of the Ada County Juvenile Services executive leadership team;
• Oversees detention center programs assuring the safety, security, health and welfare of juveniles;
• Ensures development and implementation of long-term and short-term operational performance improvement plans;
• Sets operational goals and provides accountability for achieving operational goals;
• Implements and maintains a culture with focus on a trauma-informed approach, creating an environment that supports rehabilitation, growth, and resilience for youth;
• Manages all detention staff, ensures appropriate staffing levels, evaluates performance and recommends personnel actions;
• Develops and provides detention policies and procedures to the director;
• Ensures adherence to Ada County Juvenile Services’ policies and procedures, Idaho detention center standards;
• Ensures systems are in place to prevent juvenile rights violations and unsafe confinement conditions;
• Ensures all security procedures are implemented and maintained;
• Assesses detention staff training needs and coordinates proper in-house orientation and on-going training;
• Ensures appropriate reports, log entries and computer entries are completed regularly and accurately;
• Manages the detention division budget and works in partnership with executive leadership to prepare the department budget proposal;
• Initiates consultation and coordination with officials of institutions, state agencies, and other county agencies regarding detention matters and the development of detention programs; and
• Responds to questions and concerns from parents of juveniles in custody.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Completes special projects as assigned by departmental direction.
• Performs related duties as required.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required; Master’s degree in related field preferred;
• Three (3) years of previous supervisory/management experience;
• Considerable experience working in a juvenile justice setting preferred;
• Knowledge of the laws pertaining to juvenile court and juvenile detention facilities;
• Knowledge of the Balanced Approach to juvenile justice;
• Knowledge and understanding of a trauma-informed approach in working with youth in the juvenile justice field;
• Knowledge of institutional management practices, emphasizing the care of juveniles in confinement facilities;
• Knowledge of strategic planning and policy and procedure development;
• Knowledge of effective supervisory and management practices;
• Knowledge of conflict management skills;
• Knowledge of and experience in working with culturally diverse groups;
• Knowledge of literature in the juvenile justice field;
• Skill in building consensus with various agencies and officials;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, county and state officials and officials of other entities associated with Juvenile Court Services;
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations;
• Ability to supervise and motivate staff;
• Ability to analyze facts and come to logical conclusions;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Adherence to the ACJCS Code of Professional Ethics;
• Must pass a thorough criminal background check;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed at a juvenile detention facility;
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;
• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks.