Assistant Watch Commander

Title: Assistant Watch Commander

State Role Title: Security Manager I

Hiring Range: $62,700 - $74,751

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: Bon Air JCC

Agency Website: https://www.djj.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

We are hiring for an Assistant Watch Commander (AWC) to effectively lead and manage assigned shift operations by ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of youth and staff. The AWC plays an essential role in maintaining strict adherence to facility procedures while upholding all state, federal, and internal regulations, and promoting best practices in juvenile justice. To achieve optimal shift performance by deploying staff effectively, managing critical incidents decisively, and ensuring consistent policy compliance, thereby contributing directly to the rehabilitative goals of the facility.

The work shift we are filling for: B-Break Days 0545 - 1815 and B-Break Nights 1745 - 0615.

Additional information:
The Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The AWC is an essential position and requires in-person work with juveniles and/or their families in a secure setting, an ability to work twelve (12) hour shifts and mandatory overtime, and an ability to work during inclement weather.
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice-mandated training and certifications. All new hires to the Department of Juvenile Justice will be required to complete a three-week mandatory handle-with-care basic skills training located at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center in Hanover, Virginia.

This recruitment may fill multiple vacancies.

Essential Duties (not limited to):
Supervise, coordinate, and direct security operations. Ensure the effective implementation of supervision and security to provide residents and staff with a safe environment conducive to treatment, growth, and change.

• Requires in-person work with juveniles and/or their families in a secure setting.
  
• Requires the ability to work twelve (12) hour shifts and mandatory overtime.
  
• Requires the ability to report to work during inclement weather.
• Require the ability to supervise, coach, train, and develop staff.

Core Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Administrative Duties-HR Management
• General Juvenile Record/BADGE Duties -Promptly and accurately document BADGE and other juvenile information in accordance with DJJ policy and procedure
• Implements PBIS Behavior Management Program
  
• Communicates effectively with staff, residents, and the public. Monitors, investigates, resolves, and documents complaints, grievances, and incidents.
  
• Supervises facility security. Directs and monitors daily activities. Conducts and documents inspection findings and deficiencies. Institutes, documents and monitors corrective action for compliance.
  
• Plans for employee development; assists with implementation of programs; complies with training and certification requirements; ensures staff compliance with Board and Core Standards; Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of security and coordination with other
  operational units in a secure residential setting.
  
• Demonstrated ability to apply security practices and procedures; use appropriate restraint methods; operate security tools and equipment; and administer first aid.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently; effectively communicate orally and in writing; prepare and review records and reports; and conduct inspections.
  
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and mentor staff.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques, performance management, employee development, and security procedures.
  
• Demonstrate an ability to guide the security functions, effectively plan and organize, and coordinate with multi-disciplinary team members
  
• Skills in conflict resolution and crisis intervention is important for this role.

Additional Considerations

• Progressively responsible corrections or law enforcement experience, part of which must have been at a supervisory level.
  
• Considerable experience working with juveniles or working in a secure residential setting and
  experience supervising staff will also be considered.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You will be provided an email confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.

Reference Check: At least two references' names and contact information will be required from all finalists who advance in the selection process.

Driver License: A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans:
DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name: DJJ Talent Acquisition Team

Phone: Please email all questions to Porsha.Lewis@djj.virginia.gov

Email: Porsha.Lewis@djj.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.