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: Salary 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.

We are hiring for a Juvenile Correctional Specialist (Front Lobby and Control Center Operations Post) to support 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.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment announcement.

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. 
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.

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.

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:

• Working knowledge of safety and security procedures and practices
• 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
• 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.

In support of Governor’s Executive Order 44, may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

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.