Salary : $42,000.00 AnnuallyLocation : Hampton, VAJob Type: Full-Time PermanentJob Number: 07609Department: City Sheriff - JailOpening Date: 06/10/2024FunctionThe Programs Specialist conducts assessments, individual and/or group counseling sessions, and develops treatment or rehabilitation plans for inmates, with the goal of making a difference in the inmates' future path of life, and assist them to locate educational opportunities and acquire job skills to ease the transition to life outside of jail once they are released. Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Programs Manager and is accountable for use of delegated authority. Pursuant to §15.2-1603 of the Code of Virginia incumbent is appointed at-will and serves at the pleasure of the Sheriff. Examples of WorkUses interview techniques and assessment instruments to determine the inmate's security risks and programmatic needs; Prepares case history reports and recommends program assignments; Reviews work and disciplinary records of all assigned inmates to determine progress or necessity of changing assignments or security classification; Serves as a member of the Institutional Classification Committee; Advises inmates on personal problems, employment resources, vocational skills, educational and training needs, family problems and institutional adjustment; Delivers programs to inmates, to include individual and group counseling sessions, which are designed to assist in a successful re-entry into the community following release from incarceration; Provide intervention for at-risk and high-risk inmates and seek treatment solutions; Develops, monitors, and amends inmate transition plans in line with re-entry programs and services; Establishes collaborative network with relevant partners to provide support, pre- and post-release services for inmates which involve family members and community resources and social service agencies. QualificationsREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of vocational guidance and social adjustment principles, interviewing and counseling techniques, the social and psychological problems facing inmates; Ability to facilitate individual and group counseling sessions; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Communicate effectively and determine which segment of the facility will be best suited to an inmate's social and correctional needs; Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).COMMUNICATIONCommunicates with inmates, staff, and other agencies; Develops and maintains a professional rapport with staff; Demonstrates sensitivity to needs of inmates, families, staff, and other partners; Assists with outreach and special events; Maintains confidentiality of information regarding inmatesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree from an accredited university with preferred focus in mental health, adult counseling, human services, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work or related discipline.1-3 years of equivalent experience in a correctional facility in a position which requires direct and routine contact with inmates (preferred). ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS The job may risk exposure to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, fumes, odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, traffic and toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases and bodily fluids.PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public. Must have the strength and ability to apprehend, subdue and restrain criminal offenders. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs and over walls, run, bend, twist, reach, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas; sit for prolonged periods of time; move/push/pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lbs; Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies. Requires annual physical. Requires operation of standard office equipment All staff members are required to utilize their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the job.The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. FeaturesADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS to complete the required Authorization for Release of Information form. Benefits OverviewThe following plans are available the first of the month following one full calendar month of employment:
- -Health insurance
- -Dental insurance
- -Vision insurance
- -Reimbursement accounts
- Health insurance offered through Optima Health (1-800-###-####). For more information on the provider network and pharmacies, see the The vision plan is offered through EyeMed Vision Care. For more information, see the
- Three dental plans are offered through Delta Dental (Delta Care, Delta Dental PPO, and Delta Dental PPO Plus) 1-800-###-####. For more information, see the
- Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
- Other forms of leave include:
- Maternity Leave
- Parental Bonding Leave
- Care for Sick Parent Leave
- Birthday Leave
- Personal day (available every quarter)
The ten paid holidays each year include:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Employee's birthday
- A tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax retirement plan, Roth IRA, is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-###-####). For more information, see the
- Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is the Minnesota Life Insurance Company. Tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-###-####). For more information, see the
- Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
- Medical/Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family (757-###-####, 1-800-###-#### or
- Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature. Savings bonds are available to the City's workforce.
- Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.