Juvenile Correctional Specialist (Front Lobby & Central Control Operations Post)

Title: Juvenile Correctional Specialist (Front Lobby & Central Control Operations Post)

State Role Title: Security Officer IV

Hiring Range: Starting at $47,721

Pay Band: 4

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.

Why DJJ?
A DJJ career provides an opportunity to improve the lives of youth, families, and communities. The Department of Juvenile Justice offers competitive salaries and generous benefits such as health coverage, paid vacation, and retirement for full-time positions.
There are also excellent promotional and staff development opportunities. As a JCS, you will provide direct care to residents in a secure correctional environment and be assigned to designated security posts to ensure orderly facility operations and the safety of the youth, visitors, and staff. The roles and responsibilities of the JCS directly impact the resident’s quality of institutional life and foster rehabilitation.

As a Juvenile Correctional Specialist (Front Lobby and Control Center Operations Post), you will play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of the facility. This position involves managing the lobby area, conducting thorough searches, operating x-ray body
scanner machine, monitoring the perimeter, and overseeing the control center's secured door systems. You will be the first point of contact for all visitors and staff entering the facility, ensuring that all security protocols are strictly followed. You will be working in a
controlled environment, often under pressure, and must be able to handle challenging situations with professionalism and composure.

The JCS - Lobby and Control Operations positions are located at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional facility which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment announcement. 

A and B-Break Day 5:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
A and B-Break Night 5:45 p.m. – 6:15 a.m.

Lobby and Central Control Operations JCS core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Visitor and Staff Screening: Conduct thorough searches of all visitors and staff entering the facility using x-ray body scanner machine, metal detectors, and other security tools.
  
• Control Center Operations: Manage the mechanics of secured doors and monitor surveillance systems from the control center to ensure the safety of the facility.
  
• Perimeter Monitoring: Regularly inspect and monitor the perimeter for any security breaches or irregularities.
  
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any information observed or obtained while on duty, particularly concerning visitors or employees. This includes ensuring that sensitive information is not shared with unauthorized personnel.
  
• Crisis Response: Act swiftly and effectively in response to any security threats or emergencies, following established protocols to maintain order and safety.
  
• Communication: Coordinate with other facility departments to ensure smooth operations and effective communication, particularly during high-stress situations.

Essential Skills are not limited to:

• Keen observational skills to identify potential security threats and irregularities.
  
• A strong commitment to always maintaining confidentiality and discretion, especially concerning sensitive information.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with visitors, staff, and inmates.
  
• The ability to stand for extended periods, conduct searches, and respond quickly to emergencies is required.
  
• Ability to quickly assess situations and provide the appropriate response,

JCS duties include but are not limited to:

• Implement best practices in supervision, security, and treatment of juveniles in a correctional setting.
  
• Provide residents with a safe living environment conducive to growth and change.
  
• Oversee and monitor all activities, maintaining security and control in an assigned housing unit community to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and staff.
  
• Conduct and document security/safety checks and intervene in behavioral crises.
  
• Completes all administrative and program documentation (such as time sheets, leave forms, incident reports, logbook entries, various forms, etc.) legibly, completely, timely, and accurately.
  
• Documents activities, observations, and interactions with residents, staff, and the public.
  
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team dedicated to helping young people reach their goals while in a secure environment and preparing them for successful reentry into the community.
  
• Fosters a therapeutic environment by serving as a role model and mentor to residents and by maintaining 24-hour safety and security.

Minimum Qualifications

•Working knowledge of conflict resolution and use of verbal intervention techniques.
•Working knowledge of safety and security procedures and practices
•Demonstrated ability to maintain records and documentation and prepare reports.
•Experience performing physical intervention (restraint) techniques as required in accordance with procedure and training.
•Previous experience in a security or corrections role requiring high levels of operational vigilance.
•Proficiency in operating security equipment, including x-ray or other body scanner machines, metal detectors, and surveillance systems.
•Familiarity with control center operations is essential.

Additional Considerations

N/A

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.