Senior Youth Services Specialist-Team Lead

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of at-risk and court-involved youth? Join our team and make a lasting difference by shaping brighter futures!

The Loudoun County Youth Services Department is currently seeking qualified and committed candidates for the Senior Youth Services Specialist/Team Lead 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.

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

Key Responsibilities:
*Supervise youth during 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
* Coach and provide hands-on guidance to co-workers (Youth Services Specialists I and II)
* Plan, prepare, and facilitate age-appropriate activities
* Supervise and mentor youth in daily routines and structured programming
* Conduct youth intakes, transfers, and releases from custody
* Administer medications in accordance with policy and training
* Apply behavioral management strategies and appropriate interventions

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

This is an open, continuous recruitment; however, the posting may close at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

Must be at least 21 years of age. Bachelor's degree in human services field, or relevant field and two (2) years of related professional experience in a residential/correctional setting (with at least one (1) year at the level of a Youth Services Specialist II) or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.

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 Department 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.