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Prea Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Prea Director information

What is a PREA director?

PREA Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the implementation and compliance of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) within correctional facilities. Their primary duties include developing policies, providing training, conducting investigations, and ensuring that all regulations designed to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse in confinement settings are followed. They work closely with facility staff, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations to create a safer environment for inmates and staff. PREA Directors also monitor facility practices, coordinate audits, and report findings to ensure ongoing adherence to federal standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PREA director?

To thrive as a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Director, you need expertise in correctional facility management, knowledge of PREA standards, and experience in policy development, usually backed by a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with incident reporting systems, compliance auditing tools, and relevant certification such as PREA Auditor Training is highly valuable. Strong leadership, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills are crucial for training staff and fostering a safe institutional culture. These capabilities ensure compliance with federal mandates, promote institutional safety, and protect the rights and well-being of inmates and staff.

How does a PREA director typically collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance and effective program implementation?

A Prea Director frequently works cross-functionally with security, legal, human resources, and program staff to develop, implement, and monitor compliance strategies for the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Regular meetings, training sessions, and policy reviews are often conducted in partnership with these teams to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and the latest regulatory requirements. This collaborative approach helps create a unified response to incidents, streamlines reporting processes, and fosters a culture of safety and accountability throughout the facility.

What is the difference between Prea Director vs Prea Manager?

AspectPrea DirectorPrea Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, industry certifications, leadership experienceBachelor's degree, relevant certifications, some leadership experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple teams, high-level decision makingTeam supervision, project management, operational tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations with complex operations, often in healthcare, education, or non-profitsCommon in similar industries, focusing on day-to-day management

The Prea Director typically holds a higher-level strategic role, overseeing multiple departments and making high-impact decisions. The Prea Manager focuses more on managing teams and executing plans. Both roles require relevant credentials and industry experience, but the Director's responsibilities are broader and more strategic.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prea jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Prea jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Prea Director jobs in Virginia?

For Prea Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prea Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Prea Director job openings:

Chief Deputy of Jail Operations

City of Portsmouth/ Sheriff's Office

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Chief Deputy of Jail Operations

 

Position Overview

Portsmouth Sheriff's Office is seeking an experienced and dynamic correctional leader to serve as the Chief Deputy of Jail Operations. This executive-level position is responsible for the administration, management, and daily operation of the Portsmouth City Jail and Processing Center.

Reporting directly to the Undersheriff, the Chief Deputy of Jail Operations provides leadership and oversight for jail operations, inmate services, facility security, staffing, compliance, emergency preparedness, fiscal management, and rehabilitation programming. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the facility while maintaining compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and correctional standards.

Essential Responsibilities 

  • Provide executive leadership and oversight for all jail operations and inmate services.
  • Direct and manage detention facility operations, including security, inmate care, transportation, food services, and facility maintenance.
  • Develop and implement staffing strategies to ensure operational effectiveness and efficient deployment of personnel.
  • Oversee annual budget preparation, fiscal management, and resource allocation.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and correctional standards.
  • Oversee compliance with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards, including training, reporting, investigations, and corrective actions.
  • Direct facility operations during emergencies, critical incidents, disturbances, and other crisis situations.
  • Evaluate operational effectiveness and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
  • Represent the Sheriff's Office with governmental agencies, community organizations, professional associations, and regulatory entities.
  • Review and approve personnel recommendations, disciplinary actions, and operational initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of supervisory or managerial experience, including at least five (5) years in jail administration.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of executive-level leadership experience within a correctional environment.
  • Demonstrated experience managing correctional operations in a local or regional detention facility of comparable size and complexity.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based correctional programming, inmate rehabilitation initiatives, and successful reentry practices.
  • Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

  • Certified Jail Manager (CJM), American Jail Association. (preferred)
  • Certified Corrections Manager (CCM), American Correctional Association.
  • Experience overseeing complex correctional operations, budgets, and workforce planning initiatives.

Required Certifications

Must obtain and maintain Virginia Jailer Certification as required by VADOC/VADCJS regulations.

Working Environment

Work is performed within a correctional facility environment and may involve exposure to hostile, disruptive, or emergency situations. The position requires the ability to inspect housing units, walk extended distances, climb stairs, and respond to emergencies as needed.

Benefits

The Portsmouth Sheriff's Office offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume for consideration via Indeed. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process and will be required to complete a Portsmouth Sheriff's Office employment application.  Final candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings, including a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.

The Portsmouth Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.