COMPANY OVERVIEW

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas empowers self-reliance and inspires hope. As a church without walls, we do this through personalized housing, ministry, health, and human services that benefit vulnerable individuals, their families and the community. Founded in 1896 in Baltimore, MD by social reformers, Ballington and Maud Booth, we were one of the first of over 30 affiliates of Volunteers of America – one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations.

Our founders envisioned a movement dedicated to reaching and uplifting the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged “to go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand”. Their declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America's impact on “Helping America's most vulnerable”.

Through a dedicated and committed team of more than 850 employees and thousands of volunteers, we provide critical care, support services and hope to thousands of people each year throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. We firmly believe our employees drive the success of the organization. Through our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, we endeavor to attract, engage and retain qualified, diverse, compassionate individuals to join our journey and experience a work environment that offers challenging, stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Security Specialist reports to the Shift Security Supervisor and is responsible for monitoring the activities of residents and ensuring compliance with Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) program rules and conditions. The Security Specialist ensures the safe custody and accountability of the residents while maintaining the appearance, cleanliness, and safekeeping of the facility. In addition, from time to time Security Specialist are required to work mandatory overtime in the event of critical staff shortage or coverage needed due to emergency facility concerns.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitors operations of the facility by supervising all activities of residents, observing and identify residents in unauthorized locations & communicate with resident service staff and program management regarding appropriate corrective actions.
Conducts regular and periodic resident counts and facility/perimeter rounds, as well as inspection including rooms, offices, and service areas.
Maintain resident sign in/out log and/or enter departures and returns in the electronic case management database as well as accurately completing all other logbooks, forms, and records.
Maintains facility cleanliness, supervises, assigns, and/or monitors resident cleaning activities, ensuring facility is maintained in a clean, orderly fashion at all times.
Monitors resident behavior to ensure compliance with Volunteers of America Chesapeake policies, rules and regulations as well as the Federal Bureau of Prison Prohibit Act. Reports abnormal behavior to Program Director or On Call Supervisor. Completes disciplinary reports when required.
Maintain comprehensive written record of significant events that occur during shift in program logbook and electronic case management database.
Maintain appropriate communications and interactions with residents in accordance with program requirements and agency behavioral standards.
Ensure residents receive meals when not present during schedule meal times.
Maintains and dispenses medication to residents in accordance with operational procedures.
Collects urine specimens and administer breathalyzer to monitor resident substance abuse.
Provides support to residents as needed. Foster and promote a healthy, clean perspective of resident
Monitors all entrances to facility.
Controls contraband in facility through general observation, individual, room and property searches.
Inventories and/or secures personal possessions of newly arriving, absconded and/or terminated residents.
Monitors operation of facility equipment and reports property/facility malfunctions, needed, repairs to appropriate maintenance and program management staff.
Document and report violations, hazards to the appropriate program management staff.
Takes appropriate actions in accordance with policy and procedure in emergencies, life or safety threatening situations.
Complete with resident intake procedures.
Brief incoming shift staff on resident activities via logbook and electronic case management database.
Perform duties as outlined in Programs Operations Manual.
Attend staff meetings and other VOAC work-related meetings and functions.
Participate in the provision of pre-service and in-service training for staff as directed.
Participate in 40 hours of annual training as mandated by VOAC, Federal Bureau of Prisons and ACA. New candidates must complete 120 hours of employment within the first year of employment.
Maintain and demonstrate working knowledge of VOAC policies, procedures and operational procedures, as well as contractual obligations established by Federal Bureau of Prisons and ACA standards.
Represents the Program to the community and general public professionally and appropriately.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS:

Ensures a safe, secure and efficient facility and program 24 hours per day.
Ensures safety of resident and staff in fire and other emergencies.
Ensures resident compliance with VOAC policies and rules.
Encourages residents successful completion of the program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The physical ability stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and operate office equipment.
Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment.
Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
The ability to remain in a sitting position or walking for extended periods of time
Ability to withstand exposure to the cold and heat.
Occasionally, ability to lift, carries, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of High School Diploma/GED with two (2) to five (5) years experiences in a Human Services, security, corrections field, or military experience highly desired.
Two (2) years college and/or additional education can be substituted for years of experience.

Strong organization skills, problem-solving skills and judgment are desired.
Report writing, assessment of character/behavior, and behavior management, and a working knowledge of health and safety regulations as pertains to a community residential center.
Able to ensure maintain staff schedule assigned for a 24/7/365 operation,
Must be flexible when possible and advanced noticed given to be able to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays and/or mandatory overtime when assigned or needed.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with the person served population, be self-motivated and able to motivate others,
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are a must due to the extensive collaboration and networking that is required in the field.
The ability to multitasks and handle a non-traditional work environment.
The ability to be a self-started and work independently with limited supervision at times.
Must have a high level of compassion and respect for persons with special needs;
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point, Outlook Email, and other systems i.e. electronic time punches, electronic medical records etc.
Bilingual in any language a plus.

NOTE:

A bonafide occupational exception may be established for this position based upon sex/gender when it is necessary to ensure that at least one female and one male are on duty during each shift. Applicants must be able to pass the Federal Bureau of Prison Background Check before conditional offer is made.

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