Probation Counselor I

Job Announcement

Responsible for direct care of a majority male resident population, providing security and control in the Juvenile Detention Center. Including monitoring the residents living units, security desk and court holding during designated shift.

Provides in-depth counseling to detainees on such diverse topics as substance abuse, crisis intervention, mental health and conflict resolution. Conducts group and individual sessions with detainees to help ease their adjustment anxieties. Utilizes physical crisis intervention as needed to bodily control disruptive or aggressive residents. Supervises residents during unit activities, health, recreation and in the school program. Performs security checks, wake-up and bedtime procedures, showering and hygiene functions, and unit housekeeping. Writes behavioral observations and disciplinary reports. Provides orientation of residents to the program.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Schedule: This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Valid Driver's License is required at the time of application.

The following certifications must be obtained within a specified time frame after appointment and recertification annually thereafter:

• Medication Management (Required within 6 months)
  
• CPR/First Aid (Required within 30 days)
  
• Handle With Care (Required within 30 days)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.
• This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:
  • Criminal Background Investigation
  • Child Protective Services Registry check
  • Sanction Screenings
  • Driving Record Check
  • Pre-employment Medical Evaluation
  • Tuberculosis Test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
One or more years of prior experience working in a secure facility for juveniles.
Must be able to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather and/or emergencies.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to supervise and participate in educational and recreational activities with adolescents. Duties require the ability to physically restrain acting out residents. Visual and auditory acuity and the ability to communicate clearly in English in person, in written form, and on the phone. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a written exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.