Detention Program Spec

Please Apply By April 23, 2026

Detention Program Specialist

Salary Range: $56,299.00-$73,892.18

This is a salary exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office hires professionals that desire to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and our community through excellent customer service, good judgment, and integrity while maintaining safe and secure facilities. If you are interested in making a difference in the community, positively influencing others, and working for the citizens of Mecklenburg County, then MCSO wants you to come join our team.

Position Summary
The Detention Program Specialist will provide specialized rehabilitative classes to residents utilizing evidenced-based practices and trauma-informed care. The candidate will follow an approved curriculum as assigned by the manager. The candidate may also carry a caseload and must be able to identify and address challenging behavior related to mental health and substance use. The selected candidate must also be able to provide re-entry case management services to a specialized population to include making community referrals and provide supervision of and direction to volunteers and community partners who provide rehabilitative programming/services in the facility. Candidate must be able to work with other professionals and community organizations to enhance service continuum. Must have ability to conduct training programs for officers, staff and community partners and have basic knowledge of mental health and substance use issues specific to the resident population.

Essential Functions
• Conduct resident need/risk assessments and additional screenings as needed for mental health and substance use referrals and interventions
• Responsible for compliance with American Correction Association (ACA) standards, HIPAA, Program Policies and Procedures, General Orders and established program rules and expectations
• Work closely with and support interns, volunteers, contract providers and guest speakers in the facility and program housing
• Identify, recruit and screen for eligible residents for program participation, gather relevant information to determine program readiness and assign classes within OMS
• Work with residents to provide program orientation and information sessions to ensure residents awareness of available services
• Provide a continuum of services developed by Programs Administration
• Support class operations and monitor programs being offered to ensure policies, procedures, and resident behavioral expectations are followed
• Coordinate individual counseling to residents to meet established program goals and behavioral expectations
• Participate in meetings with residents, detention staff, contract providers and community partners
• Provide case management for re-entry residents within program pods

Qualifications
 Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or a related field, and 2 years related experience; or a Master’s Degree or higher, and less than 2 years related experience.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Disclaimer Statement: This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.

Position#20013546