1

Detention Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse

Lynchburg, VA ยท On-site

$89K/yr

Juvenile Detention Center, 1400 Florida Ave, Lynchburg, VA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 03646 Department: Juvenile Services Opening Date: 08/20/2026 Description Looking for qualified Registered ...

Registered Nurse

Lynchburg, VA ยท On-site

$89K/yr

Juvenile Detention Center, 1400 Florida Ave, Lynchburg, VA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 03646 Department: Juvenile Services Opening Date: 08/20/2026 Description Looking for qualified Registered ...

Receives general supervision and guidance from the Outreach Detention Coordinator. Weekend and holiday work is required. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); six months to one year ...

Registered Nurse

Lynchburg, VA ยท On-site

$89K/yr

Duties include providing health care to secure detention facility residents and other Juvenile Services group home residents such as, completing medical health assesments, providing medical treatment ...

Deputy Sheriff

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$62K - $100K/yr

Truesdale Adult Detention Center. Deputies work a 12.5-hour shift of either days or nights. All shifts work approximately 15 days per month, which equals 87.5 hours every two-week pay period ...

Showing results 41-60

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.
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.

Nurse / LPN / RN - WW Moore, Jr. Detention Home

City of Danville, VA

Danville, VA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $64K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary: $53,532.46 - $64,238.95 Annually
Location : W.W. Moore Detention Center, 603 Colquhoun Street, Danville, VA 24541, VA
Job Type: Full Time Non Exempt Salary
Job Number: 1002546
Department: Police Department
Division: Juvenile Detention
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Provide health care to detained juvenile residents, by performing routine assessments; administering tests and medication; making appropriate recommendations; assisting the doctor; taking inventory of and ordering medical supplies; and ensuring compliance with all medical and related standards. Other duties include counseling and educating residents regarding physical health; maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment; communicating and reporting all issues and concerns; preparing residents for release; providing training to employees; assisting with other City related detention and enforcement health care issues; and organizing educational groups.
The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
  • Ensures compliance with all medical and related standards by reading and reviewing certification standards related to medical and health related issues; documenting and recording all related information; maintaining files; educating and training employees in certification standards; maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment; participating in random reviews and audits; insuring all paperwork and other documentation are completed accurately; and maintaining confidentiality regarding the residents.
  • Assists in the Self-Administration of Medication to residents by accepting and approving medication types; filling out administration forms and the medical logbook for documentation of resident's medication; assisting in the distribution of medication to residents at the appropriate time; documenting the distribution of medication, medication errors or refusals; observingresidents for allergic reactions; and obtaining information from parents, guardians or other providers.
  • Performs routine physical assessments on residents by obtaining information through interviews; observing and examining residents to determine general health; administering TB Risk Assessment and skin tests and documenting results; making referrals to home physician as needed; and documenting all findings and information on the Health Status Form and in the medical logbook.
  • Provides training sessions for employees and residents by identifying medical and health related issues; gathering information, resources, scheduling, coordinating, and conducting training and group sessions for employees and residents.
  • Orders supplies and medications by maintaining inventory; turning in orders for approval by administration; and maintaining good working relationships with suppliers and pharmacy personnel.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree, with broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field; and one to two years of experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above
Certifications/Licenses
  • Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria
  • Licensed as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
  • CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
Job Knowledge
Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.
Reading
Intermediate: Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, and thesauruses.
Writing
Intermediate: Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
Math
Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
Communication Skills
Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.
Independence and Decision-Making
Normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.
Technical Skills
Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
Fiscal Responsibilities
No budgetary/fiscal responsibility.
Supervisory Responsibilities
No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is sedentary in nature, requiring occasional light physical exertion. Requires adequate vision, hearing and talking to use a computer, telephone and communicating effectively with others.
NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
  • Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
  • May frequently experience frequent change of tasks, and working closely with others as a part of a team.
  • May occasionally experience time pressure, emergency situations, irregular work schedule/overtime, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment.
  • May rarely perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Typically requires use of standard office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software; medical cart, medical equipment and supplies; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed in a clinic and office in a secure detention facility, where there is constant exposure to communicable diseases, and frequent exposure to physical danger or abuse. There is seasonal exposure to respiratory hazards and extreme temperatures, and rare exposure to mechanical, chemical, electrical, and fire hazards.
The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (Gloves, CPR/First Aid Mask, Radio, Medical Mask and Gown, Biohazard bags and boxes, Sharps Containers, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.
Accident Insurance
The City provides optional off the job accident insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides reimbursement for treatments associated with a wide array of accidents and injuries, and is available for immediate family members. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.
Annual Leave
Employees accrue annual leave hours based on the length of time they work for the City and their duty cycle. Hours are accrued on a semi monthly pay cycle. Employees are not eligible to use annual leave hours during their first six months of employment.
Critical Illness
The City provides optional critical illness insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides a lump sum benefit payment if an employee is diagnosed with a covered illness. Examples include heart attack, stroke, coronary atery by-pass surgery, and so on. Premiums are based on age and tobacco use. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.
Cancer Benefit
The City provides optional cancer insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides a benefit payment if an employee is diagnosed with cancer and provides a benefit during cancer treatments. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.
Deferred Compensation
The City of Danville offers a 457 plan to employees, which provides an opportunity to set aside a portion of your salary for retirement. Income taxes are not paid on the money your defer until you retire and start using it or leave the City. Enrollment in this plan is optional.
Dental Insurance
Employees have the opportunity to enroll in dental insurance through Delta Dental.There is an option of a Low PPO plan or a High PPO plan, and coverage is available for immediate family members. Employees pay the entire premium for this insurance through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit
Employees have the option of having their paycheck directly deposited into your financial checking and/or savings account each pay period. Employees may select up to three accounts at the same or different financial institutions for direct deposit.
Disability Insurance
Employees are given the option of selecting Short-term and/or Long-term disability insurance programs through The Standard for protection in the event that they become disabled through a non-work related injury. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee through payroll deduction.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees and their dependent family members are eligible to use the City of Danville's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Sentara Health. The EAP offers free and confidential counseling services to help employees and their dependants deal with serious problems in their lives such as family or marital disputes, problems with alcohol and/or drug abuse, emotional illness, financial or legal worries, or difficulties with stress on the job. In addition to counseling services, the EAP also provides free legal, financial, and Identity Theft guidance.
Employee Health and Wellness Center
Employees and eligible dependents have access to the CareTeam Health and Wellness Center, which offers high-quality convenient medical care for an extremely low cost- sometimes it is free! City employees have dedicated nurse practitioners that provides primary care, lab services, chronic disease management, health and wellness coaching, and a variety of other things.
Flexible Spending Account
Employees have the option of participating in the flexible spending account (FSA). The FSA allows employees to select a set amount of money to be withheld from their paychecks each pay period for a year to cover certain medical and child care expenses. This money is deducted before taxes are calculated. Money put into the FSA is accessible to the employee through a debit card or through reimbursement.
Health Insurance
The City of Danville is self-insured and offers medical and prescription drug coverage through Gateway Health. This coverage is offered to employees and their dependents. The City pays a portion of the health insurance premiums and the employee pays a portion. Employees have the choice between a traditional PPO plan and two high deductible plans (HDHP). HDHP have an option to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Holidays
The City of Danville offers the following paid holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, 1/2 day Day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Easter Monday, George Washington Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, and Your Birthday
Retirement System
After five years of employment with the City of Danville, employees are vested in the City's Employees' Retirement System (ERS). ERS is a defined benefit retirement plan with the purpose of providing retirement, disability, and death-in-service benefits. Contributions by employee are mandatory.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is a privilege granted to all full-time employees. Sick leave is accrued on a semi monthly basis.
Term Life Insurance
The City of Danville offers optional group term life insurance benefits to employees through The Standard. The amount of death benefit is the employee's annual salary doubled and rounded to the next highest $1,000 up to a maximum of $200,000. Double indemnity (twice the death benefit) is provided for death by accident. The cost of this benefit is divided equally between the City and the employee, which means that the City pays one-half of the premium and the employee pays one-half of the premium.
Tuition Reimbursement
The City of Danville recognizes the value of educational training, and therefore, provides limited financial reimbursement to employees taking eligible course on their own time. Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement after their first six months of employment.
Vision Insurance
Employees have the option of enrolling in vision insurance through BlueView Vision. Coverage is available for immediate family members. Employees pay the entire premium for this insurance through payroll deduction.
Universal Life Insurance
The City offers optional universal life insurance benefits to employees through Allstate. Employees can select a benefit amount. Premiums are based on an employee's age and tobacco use. Coverage can be selected for an employee's spouse and children.