Job Duties
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.
The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice is currently seeking a professional and dynamic Therapist to: Provide evidence-based mental health, substance use, sex offender, and aggression management treatment services to residents, in order to promote their well-being and rehabilitation as well as reduce the likelihood of recidivism. A significant focus of this position is to provide direct clinical services to youth requiring individual, group, and family psychotherapies.
Additionally, the Therapist is expected to work with multiple disciplines to establish and maintain a therapeutic milieu for residents. This position is required to work primarily in-person with committed residents, ages 14 to 20 years old, at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center.
Benefits of this position include supervision toward licensure and/or certification; solid peer support, in keeping with the large contingent of clinical staff employed at BAJCC; multiple training opportunities yearly; and a generous benefits package including 12 paid holidays. Opportunity for limited telework may be available.
This advertisement is a multiple hire recruitment. The mid-day shift will cover as early as 11am and as late as 7pm, with alternating weekends. These positions may be eligible for specific incentives.
As a requirement for employment, the chosen candidate for this position must be able to commit to an initial basic skills training, which is a three-week academy held at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center in Hanover, Virginia. The training program will consist of classroom academic instruction, skill-based classes, practical application, and scenario-based sessions. The basic skills training is typically scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Previous applicants not need to reapply.
Minimum Qualifications
Considerable knowledge in delivering evidence-based treatment services/psychotherapy to adolescents, Experience in individual, family, and/or group therapy; Skilled in working within a multidisciplinary treatment team, with effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently. For sex offender treatment: Working knowledge of sex offender treatment and risk assessment. For substance use treatment: Working knowledge of substance use treatment.
Additional Considerations
Experience working with adolescents in a correctional center, residential setting, or group home. Licensure in a given discipline such as LCSW or LPC. For sex offender treatment, certification as a Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP). For substance use treatment, certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner.
Special Instructions
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: Bianca D. Stewart Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant
Phone: 804-371-0700
Email: ov
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.