JUVENILE SERVICES SUPERINTENDENT

JOB DESCRIPTION

JUVENILE SERVICES SUPERINTENDENT
(SECURE DETENTION)

JUVENILE SERVICES

Human Resources

Newport News, Virginia
Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for daily operations of the secure detention
facility and related programs and activities to ensure that effective and appropriate educational,
medical and detention services are provided to assigned residents, in accordance with federal, state
and local standards and regulations. Reports to the Assistant Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for the effective supervision and operation of Secure Detention to include performance
management, employee relations, and prioritizing, scheduling, and assigning work and related
activities. Provides guidance and mentoring to department supervisors with respect to evaluating,
counseling, motivating, and disciplining employees; investigates employee disputes and alleged
standards of conduct violations and recommends methods for resolution. Ensures compliance with all
state and federal regulatory standards as well as City and Departmental policies.

Monitors facility environment and responds to issues to ensure a safe and functional environment.
Monitors trends in juvenile detention and recommends short and long-range plans pertaining to the
management and maintenance of the secure detention facility; develops and recommends policies and
procedures; recommends division structure and organization; and establishes and implements
management systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives.

Serves as a liaison to parents, residents, community members, other agency personnel, and other City
Departments/Divisions. Attends community based programs and meetings; speaks at functions to
promote positive community relations. Reviews case management documentation to include
monitoring necessary paperwork tracking individual youth progress, daily and general logs, visitor
records, and other related documentation.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Juvenile Justice – Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and behavior observation techniques,
principles, theories and practices to court system, court service units, law enforcement procedures,
and human services as it relates to juvenile justice issues. Knowledge of federal, state, and local

PC# 10142
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standards and regulations associated with juvenile justice and the care of juveniles, monitoring
programs, juvenile records, and information systems. 

Safety/Security – Knowledge of common safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices to
include effective restraint techniques, basic first aid and CPR. 

Supervision — Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work,
schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Judgement/Decision Making – Evaluates and responds quickly to situations in a firm and tactful
manner. Diffuses emotional situations and offers solutions. Considers the relative costs and benefits
of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. 

Computer Skills – Knowledge of general office equipment, security systems, and personal
computers to include word processing, spreadsheet, and related software.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports,
grant applications, program overviews and evaluations to include statistical information related to
various aspects of program services. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and
ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with
tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner. 

Coordination of Work - Ability to establish and implement effective administrative procedures.
Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work
in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Attends and maintains a calendar for
meetings, deadlines and events. Performs a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others. 

Financial Management - Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to
perform purchasing and financial transactions. Ability to employ economic and accounting
principles and practices in the analysis and reporting of budgeting data.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Counseling or closely related field and 3 - 5 years of
progressively responsible experience in juvenile detention with 2 - 3 years of supervisory experience,
or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and sex offender
criminal history check as well as FBI Fingerprinting; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving
record.

This position requires pre-employment PPD and substance abuse testing and is subject to random
alcohol and controlled substance testing.

PC# 10142
Page 2 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2022

Individuals in this job classification cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect
complaint.

Requires certification be maintained in First Aid. This is an essential position that is subject to periodic
night and weekend work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS


Requires the ability to exert moderate to heavy physical effort in physical demanding work, though
not constant physical effort. 

Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling crouching, and crawling. 

Some lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling moderately heavy objects
and materials (20-50 pounds). 

May occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (20-50) pounds. 

May be required to assist in Handle With Care Take Down tactics. 

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such
as, violence, disease or rude/irate persons.

PC# 10142
Page 3 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2022