Court Services Director

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Arlington County is seeking an experienced and visionary Court Services Director to lead the Court Services Unit (CSU) and advance its mission of promoting the safety, accountability, and well-being of youth and adults involved with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDR) serving Arlington County and the City of Falls Church.

 

The CSU Director provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all court services operations, including juvenile court intake, juvenile and adult probation services, and a continuum of community-based programs such as group homes, outreach initiatives, and prevention, diversion, and intervention services.

 

Serving as a key member of the County’s public safety and human services leadership team, the Director partners with the judiciary, community organizations, and regional agencies to strengthen service delivery and outcomes for court-involved individuals. The position also serves as the County’s primary liaison to the juvenile detention center, coordinating services and continuity of care for youth placed through JDR.

 

The CSU Director ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and judicial policies and regulations, including those established by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), while fostering innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across programs and services.

Specific duties include:

• Developing the CSU’s mission, strategic goals, and priorities through collaboration with the County, the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Judiciary, and its stakeholders; 

• Implementing clear performance measures for services with data collection, analysis, and outcome reporting;

• Managing the CSU workforce of 56 FTEs and CSU programs to align with the mission, providing effective communication, planning, and training;

• Fostering relationships with county, state, and community agencies to support youth, adults, and families effectively;

• Leading CSU’s work with County agencies and partnering such as Human Services, Public Schools, leading to comprehensive service delivery;

• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and DJJ regulations for all programs and services; and

• Overseeing the CSU’s $8.5 million budget, ensuring funds are used properly following sound financial management and procurement requirements. 

 

The ideal candidate will have the following: 

• Expertise in the Juvenile Justice systems and leading juvenile and adult probation programs;

• Ability to interpret state and county regulations for effective implementation across the CSU;

• Interpersonal skills to build a broad network of services for Arlington County youth, collaborating through interagency teams;

• Problem-solving skills to address complex issues within and across departments, such as racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system; and 

• Analytical skills to develop, review, analyze, and communicate data effectively.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or other related field; and

• Significant and progressively responsible experience in juvenile or adult probation work which includes considerable experience at a supervisory level. 

 

Substitution: Additional education can be substituted for the experience requirement. 

 

Desirable Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• A Master’s degree in Social work, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field;

• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements and best practices in providing juvenile and adult probation services;   

• Experience developing policies and procedures for the operation of community-based programs and services;

• Experience leading the development and management of departmental or agency budgets and fiscal activities in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, statutes, and policies; and/or   

• Experience coordinating operations and services with justice system stakeholders, as well as state, regional, and non-profit partners.

 

Special Requirements

Cover Letter: Please include a cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position. Please use the space provided in the Supplemental Questions section of the online application for your cover letter or attach a cover letter to your online application.

 

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted.  It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

 

Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon acceptance of employment and annually thereafter.  

 

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Additional Information

Work hours:  

 

This recruitment is open until filled with a preferred filling date of April 3, 2026.

 

For more information on Arlington's generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

 

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

 

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