
Title: Juvenile Correctional Specialist (Salaried)
State Role Title: Security Officer IV
Hiring Range: Minimum $47,721/year (temporary special pay rate includes an additional 15% pay for hazardous duty)
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Location: Bon Air JCC
Agency Website: www.djj.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type:
Job Duties
The Department of Juvenile Justice is currently recruiting full-time Juvenile Correctional Specialists (JCS) at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center. As a JCS, you will provide direct care to residents in a secure environment and be assigned to designated security posts to ensure orderly facility operations and the safety of the youth, visitors, and staff. The roles and responsibilities of the JCS directly impact the resident’s quality of institutional life and foster rehabilitation.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. Anticipated hire dates are the 10th and 25th of each month.
Why DJJ?
Do you have a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of youth? A DJJ career provides an opportunity to make a difference. The DJJ also offers competitive salaries, generous benefits, and excellent promotional and staff development opportunities.
Benefits
JCS Duties
Schedule
Juvenile Correctional Specialists will be assigned a regular 12-hour shift, with every other weekend off, and overtime available. JCSs are required to work other shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required by staffing and operational needs. This role could also require mandatory overtime following your shift during staffing shortages, peak workload times, or in bona fide emergencies. Mandatory drafting beyond the assigned shift is a condition of employment.
Initial Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Working knowledge of conflict resolution and the use of verbal intervention techniques; of safety and security procedures and practices, and of crisis intervention in a residential or secure setting. Demonstrated ability to quickly assess situations and provide the appropriate response; to effectively supervise and work with residents, serving as a positive role model. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to maintain records and documentation and prepare reports. Ability to perform physical intervention (restraint) techniques in accordance with procedure and training.
Additional qualifications include a working knowledge of:
• Safety and security procedures and practices,
• Crisis intervention in a residential or secure setting,
• Facilitating and/or implementing treatment programs,
• Adolescent development.
Additional Considerations
Experience supervising and interacting with at-risk or adjudicated juveniles is preferred.
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.
Hiring Process Steps
New Hire Training
All new hires will be required to complete a mandatory five-week basic skills training located at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center in Hanover, Virginia. Training is typically held Monday-Friday, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. each day.
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume. 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.
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 of the selected applicants.
Driver's License: A valid driver’s license is required of the Juvenile Correctional Specialist.
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.
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 fosters a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.
Contact Information
Name: Talent Acquisition
Phone: 804-588-4410
Email: DJJRecruit@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, and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.