Protective Services Specialist

Protective Services Specialist

The City of Richmond Department of Justice Services is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the position of Protective Services Specialist at the Juvenile Detention Center. The incumbent is responsible for providing proper counseling, recreation, and daily living activities for incarcerated residents detained at Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.

This position is considered Essential, the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, and inclement weather. Male applicants encouraged to apply.

• Monitoring and enforcing security procedures and department policies and rules
• Directing and supervising daily physical education activities, including dining, recreational, personal hygiene, and housekeeping activities in a secured facility
• Providing for resident's needs, including the delivery of linens, and supplies
• Maintaining basic discipline and applies disciplinary measures for residents, including restraints as appropriate
• Counseling residents and conducts psycho-educational groups as required
• Coordinating shift tasks with other counselors; providing support, guidance, and back-up to co-workers as necessary
• Encouraging youths to participate in activities provided by the Center, supervising their participation in comprehensive activity programs including basic arts and crafts, sports, and table games; instructs and participates directly in various phases of the program
• Maintaining daily log, preparing reports and other documents related to daily activities
• Transporting residents to and from Juvenile Detention Facility when necessary
• Inspecting resident's rooms to ensure compliance with all facility policies and procedures concerning possessions, cleanliness, etc.; searches residents for contraband
• Participating in the maintenance of the building, grounds, and department equipment; performs laundry duties as necessary
• Coordinating and/or participating in special programs and projects as assigned.
• Attending meetings and training seminars to enhance job knowledge and skills and to maintain certifications
• Eating with residents each meal, supervising seating and serving, as well as table manners and general behavior
• Attending staff meetings for the purpose of exchanging information
• Assisting in admissions and release procedures for residents
• Performing related work as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of processes and procedures within the juvenile justice industry such as processing and working with detainees; and maintaining safety and order.
• Considerable knowledge of various mental health behavioral needs of detained youth.
• Considerable skills operating computer programs such as Microsoft Office suite, electronic databases, and related software applications such as Badge or Empower.
• Considerable ability to communicate with various internal and external departments.
• Ability to de-escalate adverse situations.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality, established procedures, use critical thinking, and utilize independent judgment.

Minimum Training and

Experience:

• Associate's degree in human services, social work, criminal justice, or related field
• Experience working in a secure detention environment or with at-risk youth is preferred
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in corrections or working with incarcerated youth in a secured facility.
• Excellence in communication skills and critical thinking.
• Male applicants encouraged to apply.

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