Job Description

Posting number: 27-00911

Department: Youth Services

Job classification: Senior Youth Services Specialist Team Lead / Grade 120

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Services

Summary

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of at-risk and court-involved youth? Join our team and help shape brighter futures.

The Loudoun County Youth Services Department is currently seeking qualified and committed candidates for the Youth Services Team Lead position, serving the Youth Detention Center and RISE Youth Shelter located in Leesburg, Virginia. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of youth placed in our residential programs.

Loudoun County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, celebrated for its exceptional quality of life, vibrant communities, and robust economy. Located just 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., Loudoun offers a unique mix of cultural, recreational, and educational experiences, making it an ideal place to live and work. We aim to provide a physically and emotionally safe and secure environment for youth placed in our care temporarily by the court.

Examples of duties

Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, this position coaches and provides hands-on guidance to co-workers (Youth Service Specialists I and II) along with providing direct care services to youth in a residential setting for the County. The position ensures the health, safety, and well-being of youth in the Youth Services Center. This position plans, prepares, and facilitates age-appropriate activities for youth; supervises and mentors youth; conducts intakes, transfers, and releases from custody; administers medication; and applies behavioral management for appropriate interventions. This position involves shift work; performs as a member of a team providing security, custody, care, and control for youth; responds to situations where youth are disorderly; and restrains youth, when applicable, to maintain safety, security, and control of a secured environment.

This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities but is distinguished from Youth Service Specialists I and II in that it serves as a team leader and provides technical guidance and coaching/mentoring to other Youth Service Specialists. Additionally, this position can direct task assignments for both Youth Service Specialists I and II, as warranted, and can provide or administer medication to youth.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the Youth Services Supervisor, as necessary, in monitoring shift operations of the facility and in the management of the youth. Monitors compliance with all procedures, policies, and regulatory standards for the Youth Service Specialists I and II.
• Provides technical guidance; explains program policies and procedures.
• Oversees and guides staff in providing safety for all individuals involved in the facility's programs and/or visitors to the facility; maintains compliance with applicable safety regulations.
• Monitors security and communication networks; monitors the movement of youth, staff, and visitors; manages distribution of keys, devices, and security equipment; and completes documentation in automated systems.
• Supervises activities and youth; applies behavior management system and appropriate interventions with youth as defined by policies and procedures; plans, prepares, and facilitates programming; and provides crisis intervention.
• Administers medication in accordance with Virginia Medication Administration guidelines and requirements.
• Mentors assigned youth about behavioral and adjustment needs.
• Conducts transfers of custody and intake and release of youth per County policies/procedures and applicable state or federal regulations; completes required documentation.
• Maintains required program documentation and records.
• Plans, prepares, and facilitates age-appropriate activities that promote self-growth and stimulate youth's interest.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years of age. Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, or related field; two (2) years of related professional experience in a residential/correctional setting or in a justice-system or closely related human services setting (with at least one (1) year at the level of a Youth Service Specialist II or its equivalent or in a role with leadership responsibilities/duties); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Virginia Juvenile Justice System.
• Knowledge of adolescent behavioral issues and service needs of high-risk youth.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ability to work positively and effectively with high-risk youth and to train staff and volunteers accordingly.
• Ability to drive a vehicle (automobile/van) to transport individuals.

Supplemental information

Must pass pre-employment background check to include fingerprinting, criminal, VCIN, Child Protective Services (CPS), DMV and a pre-employment physical to include a drug screen. Valid driver's license (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification). Must hold or obtain certification in CPR/First Aid, AED, and Handle with Care (physical restraint procedures and techniques). Must complete other requested and required training. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish languages preferred.

Work Environment

• Position is an essential position, defined as County employees who are not excused from reporting to work in order to ensure the continuity of County operations and/or to maintain 24-hour critical operations and services during an emergency, or when the County Government or a County facility is closed.
• In the event of an emergency, may be required to work and may be assigned to an alternate work site to carry out duties that support the needs of County residents or employees.
• May be required to work outside the standard, scheduled work week in terms of evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Must be available for duty beyond the normal workday as required to perform the functions of the position for the assigned department.
• May be subject to recall.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases and behaviors of high-risk youth.
• This position requires performing crisis intervention with youth, including the possibility of utilizing physical restraints and exerting more than 100 pounds of force occasionally.
• This position requires working in a secure setting with mentally and physically demanding situations and involves some degree of risk to personal safety.
• Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.