Special Response Team Juvenile Correctional Specialist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Chesterfield, VA

9d•$49,153 - $60,682•Onsite

About The Position

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 seeking a Special Response Team Juvenile Correctional Specialist (SRT JCS) who will serve as the frontline responder when situations escalate beyond supervisory intervention. These specialists play a critical role in protecting both staff and residents during high‑risk and emergency incidents. SRT JCS staff must maintain advanced operational readiness and demonstrate the ability to navigate complex, high‑risk environments. The role requires exceptional judgment, resilience, technical proficiency, and a level of coordination that exceeds standard training expectations. This position requires strong operational awareness and frequent engagement in high‑risk situations. Candidates with leadership experience, specialized certifications, advanced training, or current leadership roles bring valuable expertise that enhances the effectiveness of the SRT team. Special Response Correctional Specialists provide care and supervision to residents in a secure environment, ensuring safe and orderly facility operations. Their work directly supports youth rehabilitation and maintains the safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of security principles and techniques within a secure residential or correctional setting
Experience coordinating with multiple operational units in a secured environment
Demonstrated ability to apply appropriate restraint methods
Proficiency in operating security tools and equipment
Prior work experience in a correctional facility or secured setting
Considerable experience supervising security staff and maintaining security-related functions
Experience preparing and reviewing reports and documentation
Requires in-person work with juveniles and/or their families in a secure setting.
Requires ability to work twelve (12) hour shifts.
Requires ability to work mandatory overtime.
Requires ability to report to work during inclement weather.
Requires ability to verbally and physically intervene in emergency situations.
Responsible for responding to facility emergencies 24/7.
A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Nice To Haves

DCJS General Instructor Certification
Defensive Tactics Certification
Corrections Crisis Interventions Team
Certified Special Response Team Member
Specialized training in tactical response, high-risk transportation operations, institutional evacuation support, riot/disturbance control, and intelligence gathering/analysis related to gang activity and criminogenic behavior

Responsibilities

Serving as a rapid response team during SRT operations, crisis situations, and major security events.
Coordinating with DJJ’s Canine Division for contraband detection efforts.
Enhancing security protocols to prevent contraband infiltration, including drugs, weapons, and illicit communication devices.
Serving as a primary containment force during emergency situations.
Reinforcing security coverage in high-risk areas throughout the facility.
Assisting with high-risk resident transport and movement management during elevated security operations.
Additional defensive tactics trainings and other outside agency trainings (VADJJ).
On Call or after-hours response maybe required for facility disturbances or other issues.
Implement best practices in supervision, security, and treatment of juveniles in a correctional setting, to 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.
Serves as a professional role model and mentor, reinforcing accountability, emotional regulation, and pro-social behavior while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Collaborates effectively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to case planning, documentation, and individualized treatment implementation.
Communicates clearly and professionally, responds effectively in emergencies, and maintains compliance with all facility regulations and best practices in residential care.
Maintains a safe, secure, and structured residential environment through consistent supervision, proactive risk assessment, and enforcement of established policies and procedures.