Title: Watch Commander

State Role Title: Security Manager II

Hiring Range: $71,497 to $79,836

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: Bon Air JCC

Agency Website: https://www.djj.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Agency Information:
The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

Essential Duties: (Not limited to)

• The Watch Commander is essential in ensuring the safety, security, and smooth operation of the facility while supporting staff development and compliance with standards. Responsible for overseeing the day-to-to operations of security. Provides supervision to the Assistant Watch Commander(s) to ensure a safe and secure environment for youth and staff. Ensures all written documentation is complete and accurate.
  
• Evaluative decision making; use of cognitive-behavioral interventions; crisis interventions; requires the ability to perform the physical restraint technique as prescribed by the Department; requires the ability to work a twelve (12) hour shift; requires the ability to work-day and/or night shifts as needed; requires the ability to read and understand workplace policies and procedures.
  
• Public-facing position that requires in-person, face to face work with the public to include staff and/or juveniles in our care. Requires in-person work with juveniles and/or their families.
  
• The Watch Commander (WC) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day security operations at Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center (JCC), including managing A-Break and B-Break day and night shifts, as well as auxiliary posts such as the front lobby/central control, transportation, and other assigned areas. The Watch Commander provides direct supervision and oversight to the Assistant Watch Commander(s) (AWCs), who are tasked with managing shifts, conducting briefings, developing post assignments, and managing the master roster. This includes tracking staff leave, mandatory training, and ensuring adequate shift coverage. The Watch Commander ensures staffing gaps are filled by soliciting overtime from staff to ensure a safe and secure environment for both youth and staff.
• The Watch Commander ensures that all written documentation is accurate and completed in accordance with facility standards and departmental regulations. This position also serves as the Administrator on Call (AOC) Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and as the AOC after business hours and on weekends as designated.
• The Watch Commander’s schedule is flexible to cover staffing needs, including working 12-hour shifts and potentially being drafted for up to an additional four hours. Responsibilities also include responding to crisis situations, stepping in for Assistant Watch Commanders during vacancies or approved leave, and providing support in housing units as necessary.
• Key responsibilities include conducting daily security rounds across all areas of the facility, as well as unannounced Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) rounds to ensure compliance with facility and regulatory standards. The Watch Commander is also responsible for performing physical restraints, including the use of Handle with Care techniques and mechanical restraints, in accordance with departmental training standards. Additionally, the Watch Commander provides coaching and training to staff and supervisors on the proper use of physical restraints and planned use of force methods in alignment with departmental policies.
• The Watch Commander will be part of the hiring process, which involves screening applications for vacant positions, developing interview questions, and conducting interviews. This position also includes facilitating monthly or as-needed meetings with subordinate staff to address concerns and ensure effective operations.
• Additionally, the Watch Commander plays a critical role in collaborating with Human Resources to implement performance management measures for employee conduct and misconduct. This includes coaching subordinate supervisors on performance management strategies, assisting in the maintenance of employee personal files, tracking attendance, composing employee performance evaluations, and ensuring accurate documentation reflecting employee data and trends.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of correctional security and administrative practices, principles, techniques, and coordination with other units within a secure residential setting.
• Considerable experience planning, directing and coordinating numerous security staff to maintain security related functions on a daily basis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently; effectively communicate orally and in writing; prepare and review records and reports.
• Ability to implement security functions and to coordinate with multi-disciplinary team members. Skilled in conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
• Considerable knowledge of supervisory and management techniques, performance management, employee development, and security procedures.

Additional Considerations

• High School or equivalent along with progressively responsible corrections or law enforcement experience, part of which must have been at a supervisory level.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You will be provided an email confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.

Driver License: A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans:
DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name: Porsha Lewis

Phone: 804-588-4410

Email: porsha.lewis@djj.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.