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HC
Henrico County Public Schools
Detention Counselor
Career Insights for Correctional / Detention Officer
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What they do
A Correctional Officer, Detention Officer, or Jailer supervises people being held in correctional facilities, including those awaiting trial, in detention, and inmates who are serving sentences. Maintains order and security within a jail or prison, conducts inspections and searches, enforces regulations, and supervises activities and visits.
$56,999 / year median in Virginia
+6% projected growth
Job Description
General Statement of Duties Serves as lead worker assisting with training and providing guidance to other Detention Counselors; interviews, screens, and assesses resident needs, develops effective service plans and counsels juveniles in a detention facility; develops and supervises group recreational and therapeutic activities for residents; conducts and documents security and safety checks; monitors showers, rooms, the facility and daily activities of juveniles to ensure a safe, secure living environment; monitors radio and telephone communications; engages and encourages residents to achieve treatment and personal learning goals to assist in their life-long success; prepares and maintains all required records and reports; leads or works as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team; performs related duties as assigned. Essential Duties In addition to those required of level I, thorough working knowledge of juvenile court functions and procedures, juvenile law, safety and security procedures, correctional counseling, behavior observation techniques, substance abuse, crisis intervention strategies, socioeconomic factors that influence behavior, psychological and emotional problems involved in social maladjustment and physical hygiene; sound working knowledge of the facility's policies and procedures and of local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and laws governing the operation of juvenile detention facilities and the care of residents; ability to recognize and analyze attitudinal and behavioral problems objectively; sound investigative and evidence handling skills; ability to assess complex and dynamic material to formulate supervision plans, assess and measure impact. Sound computer skills with the ability to use computer and typical business software, proprietary software and applications, and various wireless technologies and peripherals to create and maintain resident files and all other required documentation, prepare reports and to complete assigned tasks. Develops and maintains sound working relationships, including sound professional boundaries, with residents, facility staff, court personnel, community resources and other relevant stakeholders; excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively with youth and all relevant stakeholders; excellent collaborative skills with an ability work independently and as part of a team; collaborates effectively to ensure the safety of self and others. Accurately interprets, applies and adheres to policies, regulations, statutes, and guidelines; intervenes in crisis and emergency situations and takes appropriate steps to deescalate; conducts thorough investigations; makes sound recommendations related to residents' behavior and incidents; administers first-aid and dispenses medication as authorized. Non-supervisory. Supervises residents' activities; serves as a counselor and role model to youth in the detention facility; primary responsibility is the custody, safety, control, and activities of youth in the detention facility; responsibilities provide residents with a safe living environment conducive to growth and change and directly impact the resident's quality of institutional life and rehabilitation; serves as facility representative in court proceedings. Works in an indoor secured setting; may perform duties outdoors and in other locations; work frequently includes high-stress activities and/or a high stress environment. Must be able to work an assigned rotating shift, weekends and holidays as needed. Visual and hearing acuity sufficient to engage in effective supervision and to recognize potentially dangerous and deceptive acts, attitudinal and behavioral problems, contraband and improvised weapons, and collaborate effectively to ensure the safety of self and others. Physical ability sufficient to engage in recreational and creative pursuits with residents and perform assigned duties in secure facility and court locations, which may include physically restraining residents to prevent self-injury and ensure the safety of others.