Pre-Trial Housing Facilities Manager

Davidson County Juvenile Court’s mission is to prevent problems, promote the positive potential in all people, and pursue fairness and hope.

About the role

The Pre-Trial Housing Facilities Manager oversees all aspects of facility operations, including staff management, policy implementation, program development, and the care and supervision of detained youth. Ensures the safety, security, and rehabilitation of detained youth. Ensures compliance with Tennessee juvenile justice laws and regulations. Directs daily operations and helps coordinate services that promote the care, treatment, and positive development of juveniles in custody.

Responsibilities

• Directs daily facility operations, including scheduling, workflow oversight, and resource coordination.
• Monitors facility safety, security, and ensures compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Oversees facility maintenance and contracted services.
• Anticipates short- and long-term operational needs.
• Serves as liaison with the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC), Juvenile Court Clerk (JCC), law enforcement, and external agencies.
• Builds community partnerships to strengthen available rehabilitation and support services.
• Responds to incidents and assists in resolving conflicts involving staff or juveniles.
• Implements de-escalation strategies and emergency response protocols.
• Oversees the care, custody, and well-being of detained youth, ensuring humane treatment, safe conditions, and adherence to juvenile rights.
• Ensures timely and complete juvenile admissions, including intake processes and service delivery.
• Monitors behavior management practices and ensures they align with trauma-informed care standards.
• Directs, plans, and evaluates treatment, rehabilitation, education, and social development programs.
• Assesses juvenile needs and ensures access to medical, psychological, and substance abuse services.
• Evaluates existing programs and recommends improvements for effectiveness and compliance.
• Develops, implements, maintains, and monitors policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with state law and the TN Department of Children’s Services standards.
• Responds to emergencies and manages incidents involving juveniles or staff.
• Oversees conflict resolution processes and ensures de-escalation strategies are implemented consistently.
• Develops facility emergency operations plan and response.
• Performs various supervisory functions, including assigning and reviewing work, approving leave requests, and training staff.
• Supports professional development in areas such as safety, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.
• Oversees recruitment, selection, onboarding, and training of new staff.
• Evaluates employee performance and counsels or corrects employees as needed.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the juvenile court system, law enforcement, and external agencies both in-county and out of county.
• Builds partnerships with community organizations and service providers to enhance programming and support rehabilitation goals.
• Attends management meetings, sessions, conferences, etc., relating to current management needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, education, or a related field, plus five (5) years of experience in youth treatment, corrections/detention, or related field of facility operations, of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisor/administrator role. Additional experience may substitute for education at a 1:1 ratio (except supervisor/administrator role experience, which is not substitutable).
• Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
• All employees of the Metropolitan Government must be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience with secured facility administration and juvenile justice systems.
• Extensive knowledge of juvenile behavior, treatment programming, and counseling/rehabilitation methods.