DETENTION SPECIALIST, SENIOR

Estimated Hiring Range: $53,271.04 - $62,535.56 Based on Experience

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES Under general supervision, this position coordinates the custody, care, discipline, safety and security of juveniles assigned to Secure Detention within the Department of Juvenile Services. This position serves as lead worker to support, train and guide Detention Specialists. Reports to a Juvenile Services Supervisor. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Serves as lead worker for all shift activities including coordinating major work efforts and special projects. Organizes technical or administrative programs such as the education or visitation program. Provides direction and training to Detention Specialists I and II for daily assignments as well as the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department. Maintains a record of all activities performed by Juvenile Services Counselors. Monitors, supervises, observes, and reports on juveniles assigned to Secure Detention. Intervenes in crisis situations; employs behavior modification techniques for youth residents and enforces or recommends actions within Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and department standards. Trains or provides coaching and guidance to Detention Specialists staff. Conducts security inspections, emergency evacuation drills and resident movement throughout the building for planned structured programming. Performs incoming and outgoing orientation and processing of clients. Explains program requirements, expectations and responsibilities to detainees and parents or guardians. Trains staff on the admission and release process. Advises clients of alternate community resources. Plans, coordinates or schedules group activities including educational, cultural and social activities related to the specific program. May provide transportation to and from court, medical and other appointments, recreation, cultural, educational activities, job training and other outings. May also arrange for materials and supplies for specific programs. Reviews case management documentation to include maintaining necessary paperwork to track youths’ progress, daily and general logs, visitor records and other related documentation. Provides corrective guidance to staff regarding thorough completion of required documentation. Compiles incident reports and completes stage one due process hearings for residents. Interacts daily with Court Clerks, Probation Officers, parents, and others. Testifies in court when subpoenaed. Provides for the safety and general health of residents, which may involve monitoring or dispensing medications according to DJJ standards and initiating dental care or other health or medical appointments and interventions, including emergency medical attention such as First Aid or CPR. Performs other duties as assigned. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARD Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE • Juvenile Justice – Knowledge of the criminal justice system and behavior observation techniques, principles, theories and practices to include enforcing facility rules, juvenile law, regulations, and applicable legislation, crisis intervention, and verbal and physical intervention skills. • Safety/Security – Knowledge of common safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices to include effective restraint techniques, basic first aid and CPR. 

REQUIRED SKILLS • Decision Making – Evaluates and responds quickly to situations in a firm and tactful manner. Diffuses emotional situations and offers solutions. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. • Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. • Computer Skills – Knowledge of general office equipment, security systems, and personal computers to include word processing, spreadsheet, and related software. • Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine as well as juveniles’ activities. Establishes priorities with sound time-management methodology. 

REQUIRED ABILITIES • Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner. • Judgment – Ability to anticipate, identify and evaluate potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations and to exercise appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Requires an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Counseling or closely related field and 4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS An acceptable comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and sex offender criminal history check as well as FBI Fingerprinting; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation, PPD, and substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing. Individuals in this job classification cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. Requires certifications be maintained in crisis intervention techniques (verbal and physical such as ‘Handle With Care’), First Aid and CPR. The job is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work during and following natural disasters and emergency situations. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Requires the ability to exert moderate to heavy physical effort in physical demanding work, though not constant physical effort. • Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling crouching, and crawling. • Some lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). • May occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (20-50) pounds. • May be required to assist in Handle With Care Take Down tactics. • Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation. SENSORY REQUIREMENTS • Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. • Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as, violence, disease or rude/irate persons.

If interested in learning more about this position, and to apply visit https://www.nnva.gov/193/Apply-for-a-Job

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