Working With At Risk Youth Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $23.25 - $45.12 Hourly
Location : Prince William County, VA
Job Type: Full-Time (FT)
Job Number: 202610727
Department: OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES
Division: JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
GRADE: B22
Hiring Salary: $25.44 - $29.05
Introduction
The Prince William County Office of Youth Services is seeking to hire a highly motivated person for a Detention Specialist position at the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) located in Manassas on Rt. 234. JDC provides secure custody to juveniles between the ages of 12-20 who are criminally charged and awaiting court adjudication, or awaiting transfer to another facility or an appropriate placement. This position is assigned to the male dorm. Therefore, for this role, we are seeking qualified male applicants. Female applicants are welcome to apply for future vacancies assigned to the female dorm. If you believe you can make a difference in someone's life and can demonstrate good decision-making skills and excellent personal judgment, then you will find this job personally and professionally rewarding.
Hiring Bonus: This position qualifies for a $5,000 hiring bonus. This bonus will be paid in two equal installments. The first installment of $2,500 is payable after ninety (90) days of employment have been completed. The final $2,500 installment will be due upon completion of the probationary period.
WHAT THE JOB ENTAILS: The Detention Specialist will work under the general supervision of a Detention Supervisor or a Detention Assistant Superintendent. The role will provide a safe and secure environment through the following:
• Supervise detainee activities during assigned shift.
• Organize and supervise recreational, educational and life skills programs.
• Conduct group activities on topics such as problem-solving, anger management and decision-making.
• Enforce facility regulations, policies, and procedures, and recommend revisions to policies and procedures.
• Monitor the facility to ensure safety and efficient operations
• Perform intake procedures to include completing intakes, releases, tracking court dates, and coordinating with other agencies.
• Respond to disorderly youth when necessary.
• Facilitate video conferencing for court hearings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the shift supervisor or Assistant Superintendent
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL: Ideally, we seek an individual who has experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in a secure facility. However, any experience working with youth or at-risk-youth is welcome. You will need the ability to work independently and make decisions based on established policies and procedures; commit to modeling positive decision-making skills and guiding youth to make better choices; an ability to perform physical restraints when necessary, using the "Handle with Care" techniques; basic computer skills and the ability to utilize basic monitoring equipment such as video cameras and handheld radios. Bilingual (English/Spanish) speakers are encouraged to apply.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or G.E.D. and 1 year of experience working and/or volunteering with youth in any of the following areas: recreation, human services, security, military, law enforcement or secure residential setting.
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of trends and practices for working with at-risk youth. Experience working with at-risk youth in a secure setting. Experience working in law enforcement or security. Experience with implementing positive behavioral modification methods, pro-social engagement, progressive engagement, trauma-informed models, and experience with conflict resolution. Experience teaching life skills, problem-solving, anger management, and decision-making. Experience using physical restraint techniques such as "Handle with Care." CPR/First Aid Certified Bilingual (English/Spanish)
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: 12-hour shifts: Day 7 am - 7 pm or Night 7 pm - 7 am
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must pass local, state and federal background checks
• Must pass a pre-employment physical/physical fitness test
• Must pass a Child Protective Services record check
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a safe driving record
• Must pass DMV Record check
• Must be able to work any shift
• Must be able to work overtime
• Must be able to get to work in inclement weather
• Designated mandatory reporter of child abuse
• Must pass Handle With Care (HWC) training; CPR & First Aid certification; PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) training within 90 days of employment
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $25.44 - $29.05
NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
We also offer great benefits, including:

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
• Optional Group Life Insurance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for additional information.
NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety,
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
SEE YOURSELF HERE!
Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.
Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.
The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Seasonal employees

Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates.
01
I understand that information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications. Information on my resume will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. Only information provided at the time of the application submission will be considered when determining my qualifications. Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in my submitted education and work experience will be credited.

• I have read, understand, and acknowledge the above statement.
• I decline to proceed any further in this process.

02
Are you currently a resource/foster parent for a child in PWC DSS foster care program?

• Yes
• No

03
This position requires a high school diploma/G.E.D. and one year of related experience. Please select the response from the options below that best represents your highest level of completed education. Please make sure, that your response corresponds with what is documented in the education section of your application.

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Associate degree
• High school diploma/GED
• None of the above

04
Please quantify your experience working with at-risk youth in the areas of recreation, human services, security, military, law enforcement or secure residential setting

• 3 or more years of experience
• 2 or more years of experience
• 1 or more years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• No experience

05
Do you have experience performing physical restraints using "Handle with Care" or similar restraint techniques?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have experience teaching any of the following life skills to youth (check all that apply)?

• Anger Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Finding a job
• Money Management
• Healthy Lifestyle
• None of the above

07
Are you a bilingual in Spanish/English speaker?

• Yes
• No

08
Are you willing to accept a hiring salary range of $25.44 - $29.05?

• Yes
• No

09
Can you work the following shifts: 12-hour shifts: Day 7 am-7 pm or Night 7 pm-7 am, other shifts/ hours as required?

• Yes
• No

Required Question