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Detention Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

United Security, Inc.

Armed Detention Officer -

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Armed Detention Officer - Are you looking to be part of a company where teamwork is encouraged? A company with plenty of growth and career advancement opportunities? Do you want a flexible schedule?

NRV Juvenile Detention

Be Seen First

Licensed Barber

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

The Licensed Barber is an independent contractor who provides safe, sanitary, respectful, and age-appropriate barbering services to youth housed at the New River Valley Juvenile Detention Home ...

Caroline Detention Facility

Janitor

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$17.73/hr

Caroline Detention Facility Full Time Housekeeper Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the Caroline Detention Facility while ensuring safety, security and environmental ...

Caroline Detention Facility

Janitor

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Caroline Detention Facility Full Time Housekeeper Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the Caroline Detention Facility while ensuring safety, security and environmental ...

Caroline Detention Facility

Janitor

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$17.73/hr

Caroline Detention FacilityFull Time HousekeeperResponsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the Caroline Detention Facility while ensuring safety, security and environmental ...

Montgomery Technology Systems

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Detention Equipment/ Installation Welder

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Operations Manager or Detention Division Manager BASIC FUNCTION: The Installation Technician Level I is to perform activities as required for the installation of all systems and products provided by ...

Fairfax County Public Schools

Oversees the planning, assessment, instructional leadership, communication, community relations, safety, and administrative management required to manage the juvenile detention center school.

Crater Youth Care Commission

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Detention Cook

Disputanta, VA · On-site

$35K - $40K/yr

Position Overview We are looking for a skilled and efficient Cook to join our culinary team. In this role, you will prepare high-quality dishes according to our recipes, maintain a clean and ...

Crater Youth Care Commission

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Detention Cook

Disputanta, VA · On-site

$35K - $40K/yr

Position Overview We are looking for a skilled and efficient Cook to join our culinary team. In this role, you will prepare high-quality dishes according to our recipes, maintain a clean and ...

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Armed Detention Officer -

United Security, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Per diem

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Armed Detention Officer –

Are you looking to be part of a company where teamwork is encouraged? A company with plenty of growth and career advancement opportunities? Do you want a flexible schedule? Look no further because we are currently seeking Per-Diem Armed officers to join our growing USI team in the Boston area! 

Employment opportunity with established Government Contractors!

[Armed Detention officer Job Responsibilities]

  • Maintain security of prisoners in the courtroom
  • Escort prisoners to and from the holding cells to the courtrooms utilizing handcuffs, shackles, and other restraints.
  • Escort prisoner in medical facilities if admitted.
  • Transport prisoners from correctional institutes to courthouse & medical facilities.
  • Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities.

[Work Hours and Benefits]

This position is considered a per-diem position and hours will vary week to week.

[Armed Detention Officer Qualifications and Skills]

  • Must be able to stand for up to 6 hours
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Can always stay alert

[Education and Experience Requirements]

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Minimum of 3 years of detention officer, law enforcement, or military police experience.

Please apply to the posting and our USI Recruitment Team will reach out to set up a virtual interview. 


We service our clients best when we serve our employees first 

United Security Inc. is one of the fastest growing security services companies in the USA. For over 31 years we work with clients from Boston to Miami and as far west as Iowa. The last 5 years our revenue has grown by 140%! As a result of our incredible success, we are looking for talent to continue accelerating our growth. We are looking for talent that will promote and adhere to the core values (People, Integrity, Development and Community) of United Security, Inc.  The ideal candidate for a role at USI regularly exhibits support, commitment, good judgment, potential for growth, and goodwill.

If you appreciate having a team to support and challenge you to achieve your goals, come build your career at United Security!