Intake Division Director (Division Director of Court Services)

Fairfax County's Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (JDRDC) is a state and national leader in juvenile justice reform, serving one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in Virginia. With more than 300 Court Services Unit employees, eight full-time Judges, and the independence that comes with being one of only two locally operated CSUs in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the court is able to remain consistently focused on approaches proven to change behavior and reduce recidivism. This structure supports innovative practices grounded in evidence, guided by data, centered on families, and informed by trauma-responsive principles. It also allows the CSU to meet the unique needs of the community and jurisdiction while advancing a balanced approach that promotes community safety, accountability, growth, equitable access to justice, and respect for the rights of victims.

JDRDC is seeking a forward-thinking, mission-driven, and adaptive leader to guide the Intake Services Division. Reporting directly to the Director of Court Services, the Division Director for Intake Services provides strategic direction and leadership for the CSU's Intake Division, which includes Juvenile Intake, Domestic Relations Services, Juvenile Assessment Services, Victim Services, and the County's Gang Reduction and Intervention Specialist. As the front door to the court system, the Intake Division plays a critical role in the Court's diversion and prevention efforts, helping keep low-risk youth from unnecessarily entering the juvenile justice system and reducing racial and ethnic disparities at the point of initial contact. As the only CSU in Virginia with a dedicated Victim Services Unit, Fairfax County's JDRDC stands apart in its commitment to ensuring that the rights of crime victims are respected at every stage of the court process. Through partnerships with other County agencies and community-based and nonprofit organizations, JDRDC is also a key contributor to the Countywide effort to end domestic violence.

As a member of the court's senior leadership team, the Director of Intake Services plays a central role in shaping agency-wide strategy, policy development, and decision-making. The position provides leadership and direction for the managers who oversee juvenile and domestic intake, assessment services, victim services, and prevention and diversion functions, ensuring that each area operates in alignment with the Code of Virginia, Department of Juvenile Justice Standards, and the court's evidence-based and trauma-responsive practice framework. The division director strengthens processes, supports staff development, and fosters coordination across units so that services are timely, equitable, and responsive to the needs of youth, families, and victims. The role also represents JDRDC in countywide initiatives and interagency collaborations, uses data to guide planning and monitor performance, and contributes to resource planning, quality assurance, and the continuity of essential services during emergencies.

The ideal candidate is a confident, credible leader who excels at leading through managers and building effective, high-performing teams. They bring strong people-management skills, including the ability to set clear expectations, address performance issues directly, and foster a culture of trust, and professional growth. This individual is committed to continuous process improvement, uses data and staff input to strengthen operations, and leads change with clarity and follow-through. They demonstrate emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style that earns trust across disciplines while consistently advancing equitable, high-quality outcomes for the public.

Candidates who are inspired by JDRDC's mission and committed to strengthening outcomes for youth, families, and victims are encouraged to apply. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking court system, lead a talented team, and help shape practices that promote safety, equity, and meaningful change across Fairfax County.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Plans, coordinates, directs, and monitors a comprehensive array of programs and services to meet the needs of county's citizens and fulfill Code mandated functions at the local, state, and federal level.
• Participates as a member of the senior management team to assist in planning and coordinating court services and programs that support and promote the agency's mission and vision, and values.
• Establishes goals, objectives, and priorities for the division and monitors progress toward their achievement, making necessary adjustments to meet requirements while ensuring collaboration among the service programs.
• Supervises, coaches, and holds program managers accountable for achieving program goals and objectives and desired outcomes.
• Consults with the Court Services Unit (CSU) Director, Deputy Director, and other Division Directors when decisions impact other service programs or are of strategic importance to the agency.
• Identifies inefficiencies, non-value-added activities and quality barriers and works to redefine processes to enhance staff, organizational, and program effectiveness.
• Consults with service program managers on difficult professional and administrative problems.
• Serves as division's primary point of contact with state, county, community, and other human service organizations, as appropriate.
• Ensures ongoing open communication occurs at all staff levels to keep employees informed about issues that affect the agency, their assigned service program, location, or employment status.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of court programs and the services they provide, especially as they related to division's service programs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration (including procurement, budget, and management analysis) and the ability to apply them in a variety of human service programs.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws and regulations affecting human services programs and the ability to interpret and apply them correctly.
• Skill in solving problems and resolving conflict.
• Ability to plan strategically, to develop outcome measures, and to share responsibility for achieving goals.
• Ability to provide leadership, organizational vision, and to manage change.
• Ability to effectively manage, train, and motivate employees.
• Ability to develop and implement creative approaches in order to address problems and opportunities.
• Ability to analyze data and draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, coworkers, county officials, public and private sector organizations, community groups, and the public

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

A Master's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field and five years of professional experience in the areas of probation work, juvenile justice, child welfare programs, domestic relations, criminal justice, human services, or related field, including one year of experience supervising professional staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five or more years of leadership experience in complex human services, justice, or court-related systems, including supervision of mid-level managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to lead through collaboration, clarity, and consistent follow-through across multiple service areas.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based, data-informed, and trauma-responsive practices and their application to policy and operations.
• Strong knowledge of juvenile justice, domestic relations, diversion and prevention strategies, and victim-centered practices, including relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with the Code of Virginia, Department of Juvenile Justice Standards, and related youth-serving regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with County agencies, schools, law enforcement, community organizations, and nonprofit partners.
• Skill in using data to guide planning, monitor performance, and support continuous quality improvement.
• Experience contributing to organizational strategic planning, policy development, and interagency initiatives at a senior leadership level.
• Strong communication skills, including representing an agency in public forums, interagency meetings, and community engagement settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, strengthen processes, and foster a culture of professional growth, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to navigate complex, fast-moving environments with sound judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to equitable and timely service delivery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home, including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.?

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY?703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.

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Requisition 26-00192