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Lead Detention Specialist | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Lead Detention Specialist

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Springfield, Illinois or Chicago, Illinois
  • Posted Date
    11/22/24
  • Closing Date
    This position will remain open until filled.
  • Division
    Probation Services Division
  • Benefits
    An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time.
  • Salary
    Starting salary $76,830; commensurate with experience

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The Lead Detention Specialist performs advanced professional and level management in the Probation Services Division, Detention Unit. Work includes advanced knowledge, experience, and experience with juvenile detention standards and regulations. Work includes training and technical assistance to Illinois juvenile detention facilities to achieve and maintain compliance with statewide detention standards. Work is performed with considerable independence and with wide latitude for professional judgment under the direction of the Detention Manager of the Probation Services Division and is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Responsible to possess and maintain advanced knowledge of best juvenile detention practices by keeping current with new developments and innovations as well as developing and maintaining substantial relationships with experts and organizations.
  • Utilizes advanced detention expertise and experience to advise and direct local juvenile detention facilities in developing and maintaining policy and procedures to meet detention standards.
  • Expertise of the various detention standards, including but not limited to PREA, IDJJ, ISBE, NCCHC, and AOIC.
  • Achieve certification in the relevant detention areas to provide training and consulting to AOIC staff and Illinois detention facilities.
  • Work with local facilities and the respective management teams to develop action plans to adopt best detention practices.
  • Serve as a subject matter detention expert to various Illinois detention groups, including but not limited to the Conference of Chief Judges’ Detention Workgroup, the Supreme Court Probation Policy Advisory Board, Illinois Judicial College – COPE Committee, and the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association.
  • Assist AOIC detention site reviews with evaluating each facilities’ current policy and procedures in comparison to best practices and relevant statutes and related standards and regulations.
  • Assists the AOIC Detention Manager in developing and maintain the two-year schedule of the detention site reviews.
  • Contribute to the content of the detention section of the Annual Plan. This involves determining the necessary detention elements to include in each Annual Plan and reviewing the Annual Plan submissions for relevancy, accuracy, and thoroughness.
  • Provides professional consultation, strategic advice and recommendations to colleagues and leadership while serving as the principal point expert on all matters relating to evidence and legal detention practices.
  • Develops, pilots, implements, evaluates and, if necessary, modifies internal protocols, policies and procedures, quality control and training curriculum.
  • Serves as a Division representative to external organizations, commissions, boards, and stakeholders, as required.
  • Serves as the head of the Detention Unit in the absence of the Detention Manager.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in social science, public administration, criminal justice or a related field and five years professional experience in a community corrections or justice system environment, preferably in Illinois, is required. At least three years of supervisory and/or upper management experience or five years in field services is also required. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

SELECTION FACTORS:

  • Extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system including related Illinois statutes, regulations, procedures and operations at the trial court level and a comprehensive statewide perspective of detention services.
  • Extensive knowledge and expertise in juvenile detention settings, related best practices, and relevant detention statutes, regulations, and standards.
  • Expertise around the various components of evidence-based practices including pragmatic applicability and implementation.
  • Extensive knowledge of probation division policies, standards, legal mandates, and procedures relating to circuit court probation services and skill in their application.
  • Ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills including planning and priority setting, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and analytic and interpretive skills.
  • Demonstrated project management skills including system analysis, strategic planning, and design.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to facilitate small groups, provide feedback appropriately, coach, deliver technical assistance and provide training at a master level.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment, requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written documents. Applicant must have the ability to travel and possess a valid Illinois driver's license and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Interested individuals should submit - via email - a letter of interest, resume, and completed Judicial Branch Employment Application to:

courtemployment@IllinoisCourts.gov

This position will remain open until filled.

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