Juvenile Correctional Officer

State of Ohio • Circleville, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Youth Services is seeking a Juvenile Correctional Officer for the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility. The officer oversees facility functions and provides mentorship, experience, and guidance to youth in the department’s care. DYS serves youth ages 10–21 who have been adjudicated and committed by Ohio juvenile courts, with programming intended to address criminological and behavioral needs.

The position is permanent and full-time at a 24/7 facility with three shifts. New hires must complete six weeks of paid, mandatory pre-service training: the first week at the facility, weeks two through four at the DYS Training Academy in Orient, Ohio, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and weeks five and six as on-the-job training at the facility. Travel, lodging, and meals are provided for academy training.

The listed starting hourly rate is $24.88. The posting also provides a pay progression, with the first increase after six months of employment, and notes that two overtime assignments per week could add $30,000 annually. The final candidate must undergo 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.
• Be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
• Complete six weeks of paid, mandatory 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.
• Remain aware of unusual behavior and crisis situations.
• Collaborate with and provide information to division leadership.

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, and optional deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

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