Relief Detention Specialist

The Prince William County Office of Youth Services is seeking to hire a highly motivated person for a Relief Detention Specialist position at two of our youth facilities. The Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is located in Manassas on Rt. 234 and provides secure custody to juveniles between the ages of 12-20 who are criminally charged pending court adjudication, waiting for transfer to another facility or an appropriate placement.

The Molinari Juvenile Shelter (MJS) is our other location and is a short‑term residential program for boys and girls ages 10 to 17 who are in crisis and need temporary placement. Both programs afford a structured environment where residents can begin to address their problems. If you believe you can make a difference in someone’s life and can demonstrate good decision‑making skills and excellent personal judgment, then you will find this job personally and professionally rewarding.

Relief Detention Specialists are temporary staff members who will work under the general supervision of a Detention Supervisor or the Assistant Superintendent to provide critical coverage on an ad‑hoc, as‑needed basis. The role will provide a safe and secure environment through the following:

• Supervise residential 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 the shelter to ensure safety and efficient operations
• Perform intake procedures to include completing intakes, releases, tracking court dates, and coordinating with other agencies
• Respond to disorderly youth
• Facilitate video conferencing for FAPT Meetings, Treatment Teams, Visitations, etc.
• 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 non‑secure residential or secure facility. However, any experience working with youth or at‑risk youth is welcome. You will need the ability to be flexible, to work independently, and to make decisions based on established policies and procedures; have a commitment to modeling positive decision‑making skills and guiding youth to make better choices;

an ability to perform physical restraints when necessary, using the “Handle with Care” techniques; basic computer skills and the ability to use handheld radios. Bilingual (English/Spanish) speakers are encouraged to apply.

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 1 year of experience working and/or volunteering with youth in any of the following areas: youth activities/training, social services, security, military, law enforcement, or detention.

• Knowledge of trends and practices for working with at‑risk youth. Experience working in non‑secure or secure settings.
• Experience working with at‑risk youth in a secure or non‑secure residential setting.
• Experience facilitating psycho‑educational groups.
• Experience with implementing positive behavioral modification methods, pro‑social engagement, progressive engagement, trauma‑informed models, and experience with conflict resolution.
• Experience using physical restraint techniques such as “Handle with Care.”
• CPR/First Aid Certified.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

JDC Schedule is based on 12‑hour shifts: DAY’s 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or NIGHT’s 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. MJS Schedule is based on various 6–10 hour shifts Sunday – Saturday days, evenings, and overnight.

• 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…