Technical Writer (Hourly)

Title: Technical Writer (Hourly)

State Role Title: Admin and Office Spec III

Hiring Range: $20.30 - $25.76

Pay Band: 2

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 a Technical Writer to support to the facility’s superintendent by developing, writing, editing, and maintaining facility operating procedures and related documents. Requires the ability to work 29 hours per week; requires the ability to read and interpret workplace policies and procedures.

This role is responsible for comprehensive development, writing, editing, and maintenance of all facility operating procedures, directives, and post orders. Ensures that all procedural documentation is clear, concise, accurate, consistent, and compliant with relevant state and federal regulations, agency procedures, board standards, and best practices in juvenile justice.

This is a part-time position: 29 hours per week, flexible hours, and potential for telework

Core Skills (not limited to):

• Superior ability to write clear, concise, grammatically correct, and technically accurate documentation for a diverse audience.
• Strong command of English language, grammar, punctuation, and style.
• Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of documentation, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interview subject matter experts, facilitate discussions, and collaborate with staff at all levels, including frontline correctional specialists, supervisors, and management.
• Ability to identify procedural inconsistencies or ambiguities and propose effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, policies, and operational needs within a dynamic correctional environment.

Essential Duties (not limited to):

• Content Development - Research, analyze, and interpret complex operational processes, policies, and regulations to develop clear and actionable facility operating procedures and processes.
• Documentation Management - Write, edit, and format new operating procedures, ensuring adherence to established style guides, templates, and branding guidelines. Review and revise existing procedures to reflect changes in policy, regulations, technology, or operational best practices.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance - Ensure all facility operating procedures comply with departmental policies, state statutes, DJJ Board Regulations, and federal regulations (e.g., PREA, FLSA).
• Training and Implementation Support - Work closely with facility administrators to ensure operating procedures are effectively integrated into staff meetings and briefings.
• Continuous Improvement - Stay informed of industry best practices in technical writing, juvenile justice, and correctional facility operations. Proactively identify opportunities to improve documentation, processes, tools, and methodologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing, writing, and maintaining operating procedures or similar institutional documentation.
• Considerable experience in technical writing, preferably within a highly regulated industry (e.g. healthcare, government, or corrections)
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to grasp complex technical concepts, operational processes, and legal/regulatory requirements.
• Experience conducting thorough research, gather information from various sources, analyze data, and synthesize complex information into digestible content.
• Demonstrates strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams).

Additional Considerations

• Possess a strong understanding of the unique challenges, sensitivities, and safety protocols within a juvenile correctional facility.
• Experience with document management systems, and/or specialized technical writing software.

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 your 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.