Juvenile Services Specialist

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chesapeake's Juvenile Services is seeking a dedicated Juvenile Services Specialist to mentor and support youth in a 24-hour facility. The role emphasizes safety, counseling, and structured supervision to guide youth toward positive changes.

Requirements include a high school diploma with formal training or one year of college in criminal justice, plus at least six months of related full-time experience. Valid driver’s license may be required, and CPR/First Aid within 45 days.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma and formal training or courses equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education in criminal justice, law enforcement or a closely related field.
• Minimum 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor youth residents using effective behavioral management strategies
• Provide individual and group counseling to support growth and accountability
• Maintain a safe, structured environment while responding confidently in crisis situations
• Document daily activities, incidents, and case updates with accuracy
• Transport residents to court, appointments, and approved activities
• Plan and lead recreational and developmental programs
• Conduct room checks, searches, and nightly supervision routines
• Collaborate with staff, including assisting medical personnel when needed
• Play a critical role in maintaining safety—including physical intervention when required

Skills

Counseling techniques

Strong communication

Judgment under pressure

Teamwork

Juvenile justice experience

Education

High school diploma

One year college in criminal justice or related field

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Drug Screening: 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.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department HUMAN SVCS

Division

Division HS JUVENILE SERVICES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026215

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

CJS is a 24-Hour Facility; Schedule may vary

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

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE07

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$45,852 – $60,754/ annually Starting pay depending on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Looking for meaningful work where you can make a real impact? Chesapeake Juvenile Services is actively seeking a dedicated, motivated professional to join our team as a Juvenile Services Specialist.

In this role, you’ll mentor, guide, and support youth as they navigate challenges and work toward positive change. If you’re passionate about helping others and thrive in a structured, team-oriented environment, this opportunity is for you.

What You’ll Do:

• Supervise and engage youth residents using effective behavioral management strategies
• Provide individual and group counseling to support growth and accountability
• Maintain a safe, structured environment while responding confidently in crisis situations
• Document daily activities, incidents, and case updates with accuracy
• Transport residents to court, appointments, and approved activities
• Plan and lead recreational and developmental programs
• Conduct room checks, searches, and nightly supervision routines
• Collaborate with staff, including assisting medical personnel when needed
• Play a critical role in maintaining safety—including physical intervention when required

What You Bring:

• Knowledge of counseling techniques, especially with at-risk or justice-involved youth
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust while maintaining boundaries
• Sound judgment and composure in high-pressure situations
• A team-first mindset and commitment to youth development
• Experience in juvenile justice, trauma-informed care, or 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.

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.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/19/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/02/2026

Open Continuous No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Drug Screening: 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.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

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

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Handling

Handling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crawling

Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Balancing

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

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 = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust S = Seasonally

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures N = Never

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration N = Never

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors N = Never

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never

Primary Work Location

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

Time Pressures Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment

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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review position requirements for details.
  • Yes
  • No