Protective Services Specialist

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Justice Services is hiring a Protective Services Specialist at the Juvenile Detention Center. The position provides counseling, recreation, and daily living activities for residents detained at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. It is considered essential, and the incumbent must work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather. The opportunity has a maximum compensation amount of $30.56 per hour. The role involves maintaining security and order in a secured facility while supporting residents’ needs and participation in activities. Duties also include documentation, resident transportation when necessary, facility upkeep, and coordination with coworkers and other departments. The position provides on-the-job training. CPR and first aid certification must be obtained within a timeframe established by the City after the initial hire date, and successful completion of specialized departmental training is required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in human services, social work, criminal justice, or a related field.
A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License within 30 days of hire.
A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. A candidate’s DMV record may have no more than 6 demerit points in one year. A DWI/DUI conviction within 3 years of the application or hire date disqualifies an applicant; more than one DWI/DUI conviction also disqualifies an applicant.
CPR and first aid certification within a timeframe established by the City after the initial hire date.
Successful completion of specialized departmental training.
Considerable knowledge of juvenile justice processes and procedures, including processing and working with detainees and maintaining safety and order.
Considerable knowledge of mental health and behavioral needs of detained youth.
Considerable skill operating computer programs such as Microsoft Office, electronic databases, and related software applications such as Badge or Empower.
Ability to communicate with internal and external departments.
Ability to de-escalate adverse situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, follow established procedures, use critical thinking, and exercise independent judgment.
Ability to perform detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraints.
Ability to regularly talk and hear; frequently reach and see; and occasionally perform repetitive motions, lift, walk, stand, crouch, kneel, stoop, and balance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a secure detention environment or with at-risk youth.
Previous experience working in corrections or with incarcerated youth in a secured facility.
Excellent communication skills and critical thinking.
Male applicants are encouraged to apply.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, as approved by the department, may be used to meet minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

Monitor and enforce security procedures, department policies, and rules.
Direct and supervise daily physical education and daily living activities, including dining, recreation, personal hygiene, and housekeeping.
Provide for residents’ needs, including delivery of linens and supplies.
Maintain basic discipline and apply disciplinary measures, including restraints when appropriate.
Counsel residents and conduct psycho-educational groups as required.
Coordinate shift tasks with other counselors and provide support, guidance, and backup to coworkers as needed.
Encourage residents to participate in Center activities and supervise comprehensive activity programs, including arts and crafts, sports, and table games; instruct and participate in program activities.
Maintain daily logs and prepare reports and other documents related to daily activities.
Transport residents to and from the Juvenile Detention Facility when necessary.
Inspect residents’ rooms for compliance with facility policies concerning possessions and cleanliness, and search residents for contraband.
Participate in maintaining the building, grounds, and department equipment, and perform laundry duties as necessary.
Coordinate and/or participate in special programs and projects as assigned.
Attend meetings and training seminars to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications.
Eat with residents at each meal and supervise seating, serving, table manners, and general behavior.
Attend staff meetings to exchange information.
Assist with resident admissions and release procedures.
Perform related work as required.