detention specialist ii

JOB DESCRIPTION

DETENTION SPECIALIST

JUVENILE SERVICES

Human Resources

Newport News, VirginiaDepartment

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position coordinates the custody, care, discipline, safety and security

of juveniles assigned to Secure Detention in the Department of Juvenile Services. Reports to a Juvenile

Services Supervisor.

There are two (2) levels of Detention Specialist distinguished by the level of work performed and the

qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Monitors, supervises, observes, and reports on juveniles assigned in any of the department's settings

and programs. 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. 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 specific programs. Provides 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.

Completes documentation, to include maintaining necessary paperwork to track individual progress,

daily and general logs, visitor records, and other related documentation. Assists others with

proofreading and thorough completion of required documentation. 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 toeffectively 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.

PC# 41613, 48826

Page 1 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2023

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.

• Technology – Knowledge of general office equipment, security systems, and personal computers to

include word processing, spreadsheet, and related software.

• 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.

• Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine as well as juveniles' activities.

Establishes priorities with sound time-management methodology.

• Computer Skills – Knowledge of general office equipment, security systems, and personal

computers to include word processing, spreadsheet, and related software.

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

Detention Specialist I - Requires a high school diploma, twenty-one (21) years of age, and 2 years

experience of education or work in a professional environment, or a combination of education and

experience.

Detention Specialist II - Requires an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Counseling or closely

related field, twenty-one (21) years of age and 2 years of closely related work experience, preferably

with juveniles, 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.

PC# 41613, 48826

Page 2 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2023

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 pounds).

• May occasionally involve heavier objects and materials pounds.

• May be required to assist in Handle With Care Take Down tactics.

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

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.

PC# 41613, 48826

Page 3 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2023