Probation Counselor II

About the Role

This operational and supervisory position focuses on the security of the unit, facility, or court holding unit, ensuring the safety and welfare of residents, staff, and visitors. The role serves as a senior counselor, providing performance supervision, training, and mentoring to new staff. The incumbent ensures the safety and security of youth and facility operations while treating residents with dignity and respect. The position involves stimulating residents' interest and supervising their participation in comprehensive activities, monitoring medical and mental health needs (including medication distribution), and maintaining basic discipline and control of residents.

Responsibilities

• Provide performance supervision, training, and mentoring to new staff.
• Ensure the safety and security of youth and facility operations, treating residents with dignity and respect.
• Supervise residents' participation in a comprehensive activities program.
• Monitor residents' medical and mental health needs, including medication distribution.
• Supervise residents and participate in daily light housekeeping tasks.
• Maintain discipline and control of residents; utilize physical crisis intervention as needed.
• Assist residents with adjustment to the program and ensure adherence to detailed policy and procedural issues.
• Identify areas in need of policy or procedural change and advise management on personnel issues.
• Perform managerial and supervisory duties to oversee worker performance and facility operations.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) regulations and agency/county procedures.
• Participate in staff performance evaluations, new hire selection, and training.
• Monitor shift flow and schedule of activities; maintain an accurate population count.
• Review discipline processes with team management and conduct due process hearings for residents.
• Review and respond to resident requests.
• Serve as an operations manager substitute, assisting the shift administrator with supervision and medical management of residents.
• Oversee all floor activity and court holding operations, including supervision of the Transportation Team.
• Serve as a court liaison, transporting residents to court and local medical/dental/mental health appointments.
• Serve as an assistant supervisor for the overnight (NOC) shift, performing front-line managerial duties.
• Coordinate and implement residential programs such as recreational, educational, or employment activities.
• Maintain ongoing communication with victims and witnesses during investigations and judicial proceedings.
• Provide court accompaniment to crime victims and witnesses for all court proceedings.
• Respond to call-outs for crisis intervention and support at crime scenes or other locations.
• Provide training to departmental staff, commonwealth attorneys, judicial staff, and community organizations.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or education, plus two years of professional experience in probation work, social work, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, or counseling.
• A master’s degree in the above disciplines may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Valid Driver’s License (required at the time of application).
• Certifications required within specified timeframes:
  • Medication Management (within 6 months).
  • ServeSafe (within 6 months).
  • CPR/First Aid (within 30 days).
  • Handle With Care (within 30 days).
• Ability to complete the following pre-employment requirements:
  • Criminal Background Investigation.
  • Child Protective Services Sanction Screenings.
  • Driving Record Check.
  • Pre-employment Medical Evaluation.
  • Tuberculosis Test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) regulations governing Secure Juvenile Detention Centers.
• Thorough knowledge of the Detention Center’s policies, procedures, and security systems (e.g., CCTV, PIPE System, database-driven systems).
• Familiarity with the Code of Virginia (VCC) as it relates to youth placement in Secure Detention Centers.
• Managerial experience overseeing facility-wide operations in a juvenile detention center.
• Knowledge of current treatment approaches for adolescent issues, including mental health and substance abuse concerns.
• Skills in program management, excellent customer service, and effective communication.
• Professional experience in Juvenile Justice, including supervisory and managerial experience in a Juvenile Detention Center.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word and Excel).

Skills

• Knowledge of casework supervision practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology.
• Knowledge of current social and economic conditions.
• Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work and victim services.
• Ability to interview and counsel clients.
• Ability to prepare complete case records and reports.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to physically restrain acting-out residents.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to run periodically, walk, and stand for long periods of time.
• Visual and auditory acuity required to read logbooks, reports, and data on a computer monitor.
• Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and a motor vehicle.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Schedule

This position works a 3-week rotating schedule (7 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.), including weekends and holidays. Periodic assignments to an overnight (NOC) schedule and/or court holding schedule (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) may be required. This role is considered Emergency Service Personnel and is required to report to work during inclement weather or other emergency situations.