Juvenile Detention Director-Jefferson County ; AL

Overview

Juvenile Detention Director-Jefferson County Commission (AL) – Date Posted:
February 4, 2026
The Juvenile Detention Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of Jefferson County’s Youth Detention Facility. This role ensures that the center operates as a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for residents while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. The Director serves as the primary liaison between the detention center, county leadership, community partners, and oversight agencies, representing the facility in meetings, hearings, and public forums.

The Jefferson County Youth Detention facility is a 24-hour, seven day a week residential center for youth. Residents are between the ages of 9 and 18, have committed a felony, and been ordered by Family Court into detention. The Jefferson County Youth Detention facility has an 80-bed capacity.

In this capacity, the Director manages daily operations and supervises staff to ensure accountability, professionalism, and adherence to established policies. They are tasked with developing and implementing procedures and programs that promote safety, rehabilitation, and efficiency. A critical aspect of the role is ensuring that youth receive appropriate educational, medical, mental health, and recreational services, while fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and fairness.

The Director assists with facilitating the educational programs and ensures that residents receive instruction that aligns with the requirements of the Alabama State Department of Education to provide grade level appropriate curriculum and instruction in accordance with the Alabama Course of Study and / or the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) guidelines. The Director emphasizes evidence-based practices that support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, helping young people transition successfully back into their communities.

The position also requires strong attention to compliance and safety. The Director oversees security protocols to safeguard youth, staff, and visitors, while ensuring the facility meets federal, state, and local requirements. They monitor facility conditions and address safety or maintenance concerns promptly. In addition, the Director prepares and manages the facility’s budget, oversees resource allocation, and seeks out grants or funding opportunities to support programs and services.

Finally, the Director plays a vital role in community and stakeholder engagement. They collaborate with courts, law enforcement, school board, and social service agencies to strengthen support systems for residents and families. By building partnerships and fostering collaboration, the Director ensures that the detention center is not only a place of accountability but also a foundation for rehabilitation and growth. This position demands ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to youth development and public service.

• Possesses a bachelor’s degree in juvenile justice, criminal justice, corrections, public administration, education, social or behavioral sciences, business administration, or related field
• Held role with progressive experience in a detention/correctional facility or with probation services
• Held managerial role within a detention/correctional facility or probation function
• Experience managing a work unit (10 or more people)
• Experience as a 2nd level manager (i.e., supervised a supervisor)
• Responsible for setting goals and making key decisions at a unit level
• Good knowledge of the principal and practices of accounting and the methods of administering and monitoring finances, including preparing, submitting, and managing a budget for a department
• Responsible for evaluating the performance of those within a unit
• Experience implementing and monitoring work unit strategy
• Responsible for a concrete substantial change effort
• Developed and implemented a strategic initiative
• Responsible for managing and delivering results on several high-level projects at the unit level
• Experience interacting with…