Youth Specialist

State of Ohio • Massillon, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Youth Services is seeking a Youth Specialist (Juvenile Correctional Officer) for Youth Services at the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility. The role oversees facility functions and provides mentorship, experience, and guidance to youth in the department’s care. DYS confines felony offenders ages 10–21 who have been adjudicated and committed by Ohio county juvenile courts, and engages youth in programming addressing their criminological and behavioral needs.

The position is permanent, full-time, and based at the facility in Massillon, Ohio, which operates 24/7 across three shifts. New hires must complete six weeks of paid, mandatory pre-service training: the first week and the final two weeks at the facility, and weeks two through four at the DYS Training Academy in Orient, Ohio, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travel, lodging, and meals are provided for the academy portion. The role requires a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening. The probationary period is 365 days.

Starting pay is $24.88 per hour ($51,750 annually), with scheduled increases beginning after six months. The posting states that two overtime assignments per week can add an additional $30,000 per year. The position is classified and represented by OCSEA.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent of the minimum class qualifications for employment.
• 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 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 division leadership and provide them with 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, plus 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