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Detention Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Prince William County, VA

Relief Detention Specialist

VA · On-site

$23.25 - $45.12/hr

The Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is located in Manassas on Rt. 234 provides secure custody to juveniles between the ages of 12-20 who are criminally charged pending court adjudication, waiting for ...

CoreCivic

Detention Officer

Farmville, VA · On-site

$37K - $51K/yr

We are currently seeking a Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for the ...

Crater Youth Care Commission

Be Seen First

Detention Specialist I

Disputanta, VA · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a dependable and observant Detention Specialist I to join our team. In this entry-level role, you will maintain the safety, security, and orderly operation of our ...

Crater Youth Care Commission

Be Seen First

Detention Specialist I

Disputanta, VA · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a dependable and observant Detention Specialist I to join our team. In this entry-level role, you will maintain the safety, security, and orderly operation of our ...

CoreCivic

Detention Officer

Farmville, VA · On-site

$37K - $51K/yr

We are currently seeking a Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality carein an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact for the ...

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All JobsDetention JobsDetention Jobs in Virginia

Detention information

See Virginia salary details

$25.3K

$49.7K

$78.8K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in Virginia is $49,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention officer?

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.
Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,725 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Detention Specialist

NORTHERN VIRGINIA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center is seeking a Detention Specialist to work in a detention facility for juveniles, ages 11-17 years old.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE POSITION:
1. Upon arrival, establish arrival time per the hand reader. Read and initial daily logs, check the room assignment board to establish the number of residents in custody and their whereabouts, i.e., out of the building, court, placement interviews, etc.;
2. Read SIRs and other behavioral information pertinent to the residents' behavior;
3. Discuss pertinent information regarding detainee’s behavior with the Shift Supervisor, coworkers and the Detention Specialist whom the staff is relieving;
4. As per assignment, supervise the residents in the classrooms, clean up, recreation, and during the mealtime, assuring security and safety of the residents and coworkers;
5. As per assignment, complete intakes and releases of residents as established by Detention Center Policy and Procedure;
6. Assign and supervise residents 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 residents in other cleanups at the completion of activities;
7. 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;
8. Maintain discipline and control of the residents; 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;
9. Employs basic counseling skills to help relieve residents’ anxieties and tensions, but limited to the current situation within the detention facility; and
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Possess any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and one year of work experience which may include: two years of college credit in a related field and two years of work experience with juveniles or three or more years of direct work experience with at-risk juveniles.
- Must be physically fit and able to successfully complete Handle with Care (physical restraint training), CPR, First Aid and AED.
- Must be aware of and show proficiency in planning, resourcing and implementing child friendly recreational, education, and social activities.
- Ability to stand for prolonged period of time.
- Highly observant with the ability to make prompt decisions concerning the safety of residents, staff, and professionals.
Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree with courses in human behavioral science, criminal justice or related field and two years of work experience with juveniles or four years of work experience in related field.
Benefits include the following:
Retirement, Health Care, Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability.
Additional optional benefits: 457 deferred compensation plan, Roth IRA, Individual Retirement Account and Supplemental Life Insurance.
The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
Salary Range: 60,544- 86,321

Experience:
  • Corrections:  2 years (Required)
Shift availability:
  • Day Shift 12.5 hours
  • Night Shift 12.5 hours

Ability to Commute:
  • Alexandria, VA 22304 (Required)
Work Location: In person