Juvenile Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•4200 S. West Ave Sioux Falls, SD

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Some correctional jobs are about maintaining order. This one is about creating opportunities for change. As a Juvenile Correctional Officer with Minnehaha County, you will do more than provide safety and security. You will become a trusted role model during one of the most critical times in a young person's life. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, teach accountability, and help youth develop the skills they need for a better future. If you are looking for a career where compassion, professionalism, and teamwork come together to make a lasting impact, we want to meet you!

Requirements

Two years of post-secondary education and related experience OR one year of experience working with at-risk youth, in corrections, or in a similarly structured environment. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
A valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Must successfully complete the pre-employment background process.

Nice To Haves

Experience in criminal justice, behavioral health, education, social services, residential care, military service, or youth programming is valuable, but individuals from many backgrounds have found success in this role.

Responsibilities

Create a safe and secure environment by supervising youth throughout daily activities, including meals, personal care, visitation, phone calls, educational programs, recreation, and other scheduled activities.
Provide guidance and encouragement by helping youth navigate challenges, manage emotions, develop accountability, and make positive decisions.
Use communication and de-escalation skills to reduce conflict, respond to challenging situations, and support youth through moments of crisis while maintaining safety for everyone.
Build structure and consistency by enforcing facility expectations, following established procedures, and helping youth understand the importance of responsibility and accountability.
Lead and support daily programming by organizing educational, recreational, and life-skills activities that encourage growth, learning, and positive behavior.
Monitor progress and document important information by completing reports, activity logs, observations, and records that help support effective decision-making and youth care.
Support youth and families by providing guidance, participating in mediation, and collaborating with community providers and other partners to promote positive outcomes.
Assist with admissions, releases, transportation, and facility operations to ensure youth receive appropriate care and services throughout their time in the program.
Support the juvenile justice process by assisting with court-related responsibilities, gathering information, and helping connect youth and families with appropriate resources.