Watch Commander

Title: Watch Commander

State Role Title: Security Manager II

Hiring Range: $75,667 - $82,183

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: Bon Air JCC

Agency Website: https://www.djj.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

The Watch Commander is essential in ensuring the safety, security, and smooth operation of the facility while supporting staff development and compliance with standards. Responsible for overseeing the day-to-to operations of security. Provides supervision to the Assistant Watch Commander(s) to ensure a safe and secure environment for youth and staff. Ensures all written documentation is complete and accurate. Public-facing position that requires in-person, face to face work with the public to include staff and/or juveniles in our care. Requires in-person work with juveniles and/or their families.

Evaluative decision making; use of cognitive-behavioral interventions; crisis interventions; requires the ability to perform the physical restraint technique as prescribed by the Department; requires the ability to work a flexible shift; requires the ability to work-day and/or night shifts as needed; requires the ability to read and understand workplace policies and procedures.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8-hour Shift and flexibility while serving as the AOC.

Essential Duties are not limited to:

• Oversees daily security operations, shift management, auxiliary posts, and supervises Assistant Watch Commanders to ensure proper staffing and coverage.
• Work independently; effectively communicate orally and in writing; prepare and review records and reports.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
• Coordinate with other units within a secure residential setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently; effectively communicate orally and in writing; prepare and review records and reports.
  
• Ensures accurate documentation, serves as Administrator on Call, and maintains a flexible schedule to meet operational needs, including crisis response.
  
• Conducts daily security and unannounced PREA rounds, performs physical restraints per training standards, and coaches staff on use‑of‑force procedures.
  
• Participates in hiring processes, including screening applicants, developing interview questions, conducting interviews, and holding staff meetings.
  
• Collaborates with HR on performance management, including coaching supervisors, maintaining personnel files, tracking attendance, and preparing evaluations.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of correctional security and administrative practices, principles, techniques, and coordination with other units within a secure residential setting.
• Considerable experience planning, directing and coordinating numerous security staff to maintain security related functions 
• Ability to implement security functions and to coordinate with multi-disciplinary team members. 
• Considerable knowledge of supervisory and management techniques, performance management, employee development, and security procedures.

Additional Considerations

• Progressively responsible corrections or law enforcement experience, part of which must have been at a supervisory level.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You will be provided an email confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.



Reference Check: At least two references' names and contact information will be required from all finalists who advance in the selection process.

Driver License: A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans:
DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name: DJJ Talent Acquisition Team

Phone: Please email your questions to Porsha.Lewis@djj.virginia.gov

Email: Porsha.Lewis@djj.virginia.gov

 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.