Juvenile Correctional Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• At least two years post-high school related education and experience or one year of directly relevant experience working with at-risk youth, in a correctional setting, or in a similarly structured environment.
• Comparable combination of education or experience may be considered.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a safe driving record.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
• Ability to build and maintain professional, respectful, and appropriate boundaries with youth.
• Effective communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to sense, evaluate and manage tense group situations as they develop.
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations.
• Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for youth safety and the safety of others.
• Basic knowledge of the growth, development, needs, and problems of adolescents.
• Knowledge of and skill in using technology and related software systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with youth, colleagues, other agencies and the public.
• Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social science, or related field.
• Experience working with adolescents or juveniles in a variety of environments.
• Training or certification in non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and First Aid.
• Training or experience with diverse cultures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety of juveniles by conducting room checks and ensuring safe completion of daily activities by assisting in food preparation, kitchen duties, and cleaning of classrooms, showers, and laundry areas.
• Complete proper documentation for warrants, incident reports, daily activity logs, admissions, releases, reports, and observations of juveniles' overall behavior.
• De-escalate volatile situations using non-violent crisis intervention and physically restrain youth, when necessary, to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others.
• Admit and release juveniles by completing paperwork and verifying accuracy of information and checking juveniles' property and medication in and out of the computer system.
• May act as a Special Lay Magistrate by gathering testimony from law enforcement to determine placement of the juvenile.
• Schedule court date and time.
• Notify guardian of determination.

Benefits

• paid holidays
• health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• generous PTO program
• extended sick leave program
• inclusion in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)
• deferred compensation plan
• $1,000 retention bonus at 9 months, 18 months, 27 months, and 36 months of service with good performance