Youth Services Specialist II en Loudoun County Government, VA

About the Department

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 Specialist II position, serving the Juvenile 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.

Position Duties

Loudoun County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Youth Services Specialist II, supporting the 24/7 operations of two residential programs: the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) and the RISE Youth Shelter, located in Leesburg, VA. These programs provide short-term care for youth who are pending court hearings, serving court-ordered sanctions, or placed for service provision. The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) regulates these programs to ensure compliance with state requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
• Supervise youth in all daily activities, including recreation, education, hygiene, meals, visitation, life skills programming, and spiritual services
• Manage youth behavior using the least restrictive interventions, incorporating coaching and conflict resolution techniques to encourage pro-social behavior
• Counsel and discipline youth as appropriate, and perform physical restraints when necessary in accordance with policy
• Transport youth to off-site appointments and activities
• Complete documentation, including incident reports and daily logs
• Operate the control room, monitor facility safety systems, and manage access control
• Conduct facility inspections, room checks, and youth searches to maintain a safe and secure environment

This position plays a crucial role in the safety, structure, and rehabilitative support provided to youth in our care.

This is a continuous recruitment; however, the posting can close at any time without notice, therefore, prompt application is encouraged.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience. 

Minimum Qualifications

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and two years professional experience in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience (with at least one (1) year at the level of a Youth Services Specialist I or its equivalent). 

Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.

Other Qualifications

Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of a background investigation to include criminal history and fingerprinting, child protective services, Department of Motor Vehicle record check, and physical exam with drug test and TB testing. Must maintain a current driver’s license, CPR, First Aid, Crisis Intervention, and all other certifications and training required by policy and standards.

Must be able to complete First Aid, CPR for adults, and Handle with Care (physical intervention) within 90 days of hire. Must update certifications as needed. Position is essential personnel, requiring on-site presence during inclement weather, emergencies or as required by the Département Director. Must be able to work rotating shifts (day/evenings/overnights), including weekends and holidays, and able to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. Must have the ability to use automated technology and be able to operate keyboard-driven equipment. Requires occasional stooping, bending, and /or light lifting.