Sr. Detention Specialist

Are you passionate about helping young people and making a real impact on your community? The Prince William County Office of Youth Services is seeking to hire a highly motivated individual for a Senior Detention Specialist position at the PWC Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) located in Manassas, Virginia.

JDC 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. 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.

Hiring Bonus - This position qualifies for a hiring bonus of $5,000. This 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 $2,500 installment will be due upon completion of the probationary period.

The Senior Detention Specialist will work under the general supervision of a Detention Supervisor or a Detention Assistant Superintendent. The role will provide a safe and secure environment through the following:

• 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.
• Accurately complete all security checks, reports, records in logbook, file reviews, and other required paperwork.
• Performs intake procedures.
• Respond to disorderly youth when necessary.
• Complete incident reports as required for any rule violations or emergencies.
• Complete shift change reports and brief incoming staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with facility standards and compliance standards.
• 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; have a commitment to modeling positive decision‑making skills and guiding youth to making better choices; an ability to perform physical restraints when necessary, using the “Handle with Care” techniques;

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 G.E.D. and 2 years 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 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 have experience with 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)

40 hours weekly. Rotating set 12‑hour shift, which includes mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, inclement weather and holidays as required by staffing and operational needs. This position may require mandatory overtime when needed due the operational need.

• 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…