Protective Services Specialist

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Justice Services is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the position of Protective Services Specialist at the Juvenile Detention Center. The incumbent is responsible for providing proper counseling, recreation, and daily living activities for incarcerated residents detained at Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. This position is considered Essential, the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, and inclement weather.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of processes and procedures within the juvenile justice industry such as processing and working with detainees; and maintaining safety and order.
Considerable knowledge of various mental health behavioral needs of detained youth.
Considerable skills operating computer programs such as Microsoft Office suite, electronic databases, and related software applications such as Badge or Empower.
Considerable ability to communicate with various internal and external departments.
Ability to de-escalate adverse situations.
Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality, established procedures, use critical thinking, and utilize independent judgment.
Associate's degree in human services, social work, criminal justice, or 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. ( Please note: A candidate’s DMV record can have no more than 6 demerit points in one year. Additionally, a candidate with a DWI/DUI conviction within 3 years of the date of application or of the date of hire automatically disqualifies an applicant. Conviction of more than one DWI/DUI automatically disqualifies an applicant).
CPR and first aid certification are required within a timeframe established by the City after the initial hire date
Successful completion of specialized departmental training

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a secure detention environment or with at-risk youth is preferred
Previous experience working in corrections or working with incarcerated youth in a secured facility.
Excellence in communication skills and critical thinking

Responsibilities

Monitoring and enforcing security procedures and department policies and rules
Directing and supervising daily physical education activities, including dining, recreational, personal hygiene, and housekeeping activities in a secured facility
Providing for resident's needs, including the delivery of linens, and supplies
Maintaining basic discipline and applies disciplinary measures for residents, including restraints as appropriate
Counseling residents and conducts psycho-educational groups as required
Coordinating shift tasks with other counselors; providing support, guidance, and back-up to co-workers as necessary
Encouraging youths to participate in activities provided by the Center, supervising their participation in comprehensive activity programs including basic arts and crafts, sports, and table games; instructs and participates directly in various phases of the program
Maintaining daily log, preparing reports and other documents related to daily activities
Transporting residents to and from Juvenile Detention Facility when necessary
Inspecting resident's rooms to ensure compliance with all facility policies and procedures concerning possessions, cleanliness, etc.; searches residents for contraband
Participating in the maintenance of the building, grounds, and department equipment; performs laundry duties as necessary
Coordinating and/or participating in special programs and projects as assigned.
Attending meetings and training seminars to enhance job knowledge and skills and to maintain certifications
Eating with residents each meal, supervising seating and serving, as well as table manners and general behavior
Attending staff meetings for the purpose of exchanging information
Assisting in admissions and release procedures for residents
Performing related work as required