Juvenile Correctional Specialist (Salaried)

Department of Juvenile Justice – Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center, Chesterfield/Richmond, Virginia

About the role

The Department of Juvenile Justice is recruiting full-time Juvenile Correctional Specialists (JCS) to provide direct care to residents in a secure environment. As a JCS, you will be assigned to designated security posts to ensure orderly facility operations and the safety of youth, visitors, and staff. This role directly impacts residents' quality of institutional life and fosters rehabilitation.

Pay

Hiring range: $47,721 (Pay Band 4).

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• VALORS Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Virginia Sickness and Disability Income Replacement and Leave Program
• Paid Vacation
• Work 14 days in a 28-day work cycle
• Employee Wellness and Discount Programs

Schedule

Juvenile Correctional Specialists will be assigned a regular 12-hour shift, with every other weekend off, and overtime available. JCSs are required to work other shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Mandatory overtime may be required following your shift during staffing shortages, peak workload times, or emergencies. Drafting beyond the assigned shift is a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and secure environment for the rehabilitation and custody of committed youth.
• Supervise juvenile residents’ activities while maintaining control and order in the facility.
• Oversee and monitor all activities of juvenile residents in an assigned housing unit.
• Ensure resident doors are locked for security.
• Conduct and document regular security and safety checks.
• Intervene during behavioral crises of residents.
• De-escalate residents during intense situations, including restraining residents to reassume control if necessary.
• Provide mentorship to residents.
• Utilize computer systems for typing, printing, or reviewing reports.
• Document resident checks and other forms in a logbook in a fully legible, comprehensive, timely, and accurate manner.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Valid driver’s license.
• No felony convictions.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of conflict resolution and verbal intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of safety and security procedures and practices, and crisis intervention in a residential or secure setting.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly assess situations and provide appropriate responses.
• Ability to effectively supervise and work with residents, serving as a positive role model.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain records, documentation, and prepare reports.
• Ability to perform physical intervention (restraint) techniques in accordance with procedure and training.
• Working knowledge of adolescent development.
• Experience supervising and interacting with at-risk or adjudicated juveniles is preferred.

Training

All new hires will complete a mandatory five-week basic skills training at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center in Hanover, Virginia. Training is typically held Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hiring Process

• Online Application or Resume Submission
• Panel Interview
• Background Investigation (including fingerprint checks, employment verification, and education verification if required)
• Drug and Medical Screening
• Contingent Offer
• Candidate is Hired