Facility Administrator - Residential
Harris CountyPosition Description
About Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD)
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. We continuously innovate by implementing systemic changes to lower detention populations and promote positive youth development.About Residential Services:
HCJPD operates three residential facilities serving youth aged 10-18, including one pre-adjudicated detention center and two post-adjudicated facilities. Our focus is on creating a secure and therapeutic environment, providing trauma-informed care, and ensuring access to comprehensive rehabilitative services. Through collaboration with families and community partners, we equip youth with the skills and support necessary for successful reintegration.Position Overview:
The Facility Administrator is responsible for the overall management and operations of the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC), a secure 250-bed pre-adjudication facility housing youth awaiting court hearings or placement. The administrator ensures the implementation of evidence-based rehabilitative programs, oversees facility operations and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in trauma-informed care, youth behavioral interventions, and national juvenile justice trends such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and Deep End Reform.The Facility Administrator will drive HCJPD’s mission of continuous improvement and accountability, emphasizing staff development, multi-disciplinary coordination, and strategic leadership to create a safe and structured environment conducive to positive youth outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of facility operations, ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of youth, staff, and visitors.
- Implement and monitor trauma-informed care strategies, including Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and other evidence-based approaches.
- Provide strategic leadership, fostering collaboration among facility staff, educators, medical personnel, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) standards, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and all applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee facility budgets, allocating resources efficiently to support rehabilitation and operational effectiveness.
- Establish and maintain policies and procedures that align with national best practices and statutory guidelines.
- Supervise and develop facility staff, ensuring comprehensive training, performance management, and professional growth opportunities.
- Oversee specialized programs, including mental health services and step-down transition programs.
- Monitor and evaluate facility operations, preparing reports and data analyses for executive leadership.
- Participate in initiatives to improve racial equity and reduce disparities within the juvenile justice system.
- Engage with youth and their families to address concerns, facilitate rehabilitation, and support reintegration into the community.
- Serve as the facility’s primary liaison with external agencies, law enforcement, legal representatives, and community partners.
- Implement techniques for evaluating programs, services, and daily activities; develop and evaluate recommendations to enhance policies, procedures, and operations.
- Direct and monitor activities of staff and youth, ensuring compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies while providing technical guidance.
- Establish and oversee secure facility operations to ensure safety, including emergency response planning and coordination of youth placement during crises.
- Manage fiscal resources efficiently, reviewing data and ensuring budgetary compliance with financial goals.
- Coordinate with juvenile justice stakeholders, including judges, attorneys, probation officers, and other agencies, to meet common goals.
- Ensure facility compliance with PREA regulations.
- Work closely with the Facilities and Property Management Department to ensure the building is safe, operational, and compliant with all applicable codes and regulations.
- Perform related duties as needed to support facility and department goals.
- Uphold agency safety policies by identifying and addressing hazards, completing required reports, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance in accordance with agency leave policies.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree from a accredited four-year college or university with at least
Five (5) years of supervisory experience in the field of juvenile justice or related field.
OR
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field with at least
Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
AND
Five (5) of professional experience in criminal justice, corrections, social services, or public administration.
- Strong leadership and organizational management skills.
- Extensive knowledge of juvenile justice best practices, rehabilitation programs, and youth development models.
- Experience with crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care.
- Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to analyze data, assess risk, and make informed decisions.
- Experience in budget management and resource allocation.
- This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. Evenings and weekends may be included.
- On-call 24 hours per day. Emergency situations may require availability at any time.
- This is considered an essential staff position.
- Be an Agent of Change: Work with a progressive department committed to youth justice transformation.
- Professional Growth: Access ongoing training, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities.
- Impact Lives: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and their families by fostering rehabilitation and positive community reintegration.
Criminal History Checks for positions requiring state certifications:
Applicants applying for a position requiring a state certification must adhere to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Standards. Before making an offer of employment for a position eligible for certification, HCJPD will verify that the applicant meets the background qualification for the position according to TJJD Standards 344.300 & 344.400
§344.400 Disqualifying Criminal History:
(a)Applicants for Certification. An individual with the following criminal history is not eligible for certification or for employment in a position requiring certification:
(1) deferred adjudication or conviction for a felony listed in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.054 (formerly known as “3(g) offenses” under former Article 42.12) or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD), regardless of the date of disposition; or
(2) deferred adjudication or conviction for a sexually violent offense as defined in Article 62.001, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD), regardless of the date of disposition.
§344.410 Other Criminal History:
(1) An individual with the following criminal history is not eligible for certification, employment, or otherwise providing service in a position requiring certification without prior review and approval by TJJD as provided in §344.420 of this chapter:
(A) deferred adjudication or conviction for a felony other than those referenced in §344.400(a) of this chapter or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD) if the date of deferred adjudication or conviction was less than 10 years prior to the date the review is requested; or
(B) deferred adjudication or conviction for any Class A or B misdemeanor in Texas or a substantially equivalent violation against the laws of another state or the United States (as determined by TJJD) if the date of deferred adjudication or conviction was less than five years prior to the date the review is requested.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Additional Requirements:
- Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
- Employees in this position must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
- Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
- All applicants must provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In the attest result is positive, additional documentation will be required.
- All employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence of a substance prohibited by the county’s drug and alcohol policy during the course and scope of employment.
- In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments under the supervision of another county department.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- This position involves working with challenging youth where the use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.
Salary:- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
Open Position Location:
Juvenile Detention Center (1200 Congress Houston, TX 77002)
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.