Job description The Detention Specialist work involves providing direct care to detainees in the custody of the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center. The primary responsibilities for the position are to provide security, safety and care for juveniles. The Detention Specialist shall receive direct supervision by the Assistant Shift Supervisor and Shift Supervisor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Upon arrival, establish arrival time per the hand reader. Read and initial daily logs, check the room assignment board to establish the number of detainees in custody and their whereabouts, i.e., out of the building, court, placement interviews, etc; Read SIRs and other behavioral information pertinent to the detainees' behavior; Discuss pertinent information regarding detainee's behavior with the Shift Supervisor, coworkers and the Detention Specialist whom the staff is relieving; As per assignment, supervise the detainees in the classrooms, clean up, recreation, and during the meal time, assuring security and safety of the detainees and coworkers; As per assignment, complete intakes and releases of detainees as established by Detention Center Policy and Procedure; Assign and supervise detainees in the daily housekeeping tasks, i.e., making the bed, cleaning the room, mopping, disinfecting the sink and toilet, cleaning the window in the door. Assure that all material not expressly allowed in the room is removed by the detainee. Supervise the detainees in other cleanups at the completion of activities; Assist in maintaining a daily log of intakes and releases, administering of medication, logging of unusual behavior, completion in detail of SIRs, and other pertinent items of information as delineated by the Detention Center's Policy and Procedures; Maintain discipline and control of the detainees; and observe detainee constantly to detect potentially dangerous or deceptive acts. Intervene with detainee when situation dictates, utilizing the appropriate interventions as delineated by Detention Center Policy and Procedures; Employs basic counseling skills to help relieve detainees' anxieties and tensions, but limited to the current situation within the detention facility; and Performs other duties as assigned.