Detention Specialist

Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Training & development

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center in Alexandria, VA is hiring a full-time Corrections Officer to ensure safety and order among residents. You will manage arrivals, supervise activities, maintain detailed records, and respond to incidents with appropriate interventions.

Ideal candidates have 21+ years old, a relevant degree or equivalent experience, and training in safety procedures, with opportunities for advancement and comprehensive benefits in a full-time, in-person role.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus experience with juveniles as specified.
• Must complete safety trainings (Handle with Care, CPR, First Aid, AED).
• Ability to plan and implement child-friendly recreational and educational activities.
• Stamina to stand for prolonged periods and stay alert for safety.

Responsibilities

• Establish arrival times, read logs, and determine resident whereabouts.
• Supervise residents in classrooms, recreation, and meals ensuring safety.
• Complete intakes and releases per policy.
• Assign daily housekeeping tasks and supervise detainees.
• Maintain daily logs, document behavior, and report to supervisors.
• Observe and intervene to prevent dangerous or deceptive acts.
• Provide basic counseling to relieve tensions within the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Observation skills

Decision making

Counseling skills

Physical fitness

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or related field

Two years college credit in related field

Handle with Care training

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Training & development

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE POSITION

• 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.;
• Read SIRs and other behavioral information pertinent to the residents' behavior;
• Discuss pertinent information regarding detainee's behavior with the Shift Supervisor, coworkers and the Detention Specialist whom the staff is relieving;
• As per assignment, supervise the residents in the classrooms, clean up, recreation, and during the mealtime, assuring security and safety of the residents and coworkers;
• As per assignment, complete intakes and releases of residents as established by Detention Center Policy and Procedure;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• Employs basic counseling skills to help relieve residents' anxieties and tensions, but limited to the current situation within the detention facility; and
• 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 or related field and two years of work experience with juveniles or four years of work experience in related field.

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
• Vision insurance

Salary Range: 60,544- 86,321

Experience

• Corrections: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability

• Day Shift 12.5 hours
• Night Shift 12.5 hours

Ability to Commute

• Alexandria, VA 22304 (Required)

Work Location: In person