Juvenile Correctional Officer

State of Ohio • Highland Hills, OH

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a Juvenile Correctional Officer to oversee facility functions and provide mentorship, experience, and knowledge to youth in its care. DYS confines felony offenders ages 10–21 who have been adjudicated and committed by Ohio county juvenile courts, and engages youth in programming intended to address their criminological and behavioral needs.

The position provides safety, security, custodial care, and surveillance of assigned youth; uses training to observe behavior, intervene, and de-escalate conflicts; and maintains security and positive interactions during and after family visits. The officer completes required documentation, oversees movement around facility grounds and on outside trips, monitors and instructs youth in general housekeeping, stays alert to unusual behavior and crisis situations, and shares information with division leadership.

The role is at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional facility in Highland Hills, Ohio, a 24/7 facility operating three shifts. New hires must complete six weeks of paid, mandatory pre-service training: week one and weeks five and six are at the facility, while weeks two through four are at the DYS Training Academy in Orient, Ohio, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Travel, lodging, and meals are provided for the academy portion. The position requires a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening. The probationary period is 365 days.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license.
• Successfully complete the Juvenile Correctional Officer assessment.
• Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
• Complete six weeks of mandatory paid pre-service training.
• Undergo a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety, security, custodial care, and surveillance of assigned youth.
• Use training to observe, intervene in, and de-escalate youth behavior and conflicts.
• Manage and maintain security and positive interactions during and after family visits.
• Complete required documents, including reports, logs, and evaluations.
• Oversee movement on facility grounds and outside trips.
• Monitor and instruct youth on general housekeeping duties.
• Maintain awareness of unusual behavior and crisis situations.
• Collaborate with division leadership and provide information.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS.
• Optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.
• Travel, lodging, and meals provided for the DYS Training Academy portion of pre-service training.
• Overtime assignments can provide additional compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED