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 the population demands may 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, you will find this job personally and professionally rewarding.

This position qualifies for a hiring bonus of $5,000. The 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.

• 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 assigned work areas to ensure safety and efficient operations.
• Perform intake procedures, including 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.

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; have the ability to perform physical restraints when necessary, using the "Handle with Care" techniques;

possess 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.

High school diploma or GED and at least one (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 a secure residential setting.

• 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 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).

12‑hour shifts:
Day 7 am‑7 pm or Night 7 pm‑7 am.

• 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…