Job Description for a Juvenile Correctional Officer

Juvenile correctional officers often work in detention facilities.

A juvenile correctional officer performs an important role in society by attempting to rehabilitate juveniles who have committed crimes. They typically work in juvenile detention facilities and also fulfill the role of providing security for the institution. The job of a juvenile correctional officer can be dangerous at times since officers are often dealing with troubled youngsters with violent tendencies.

Function

A primary function of juvenile correctional officers is to maintain security in a juvenile detention facility. They intervene in fights between the juveniles and search for weapons and contraband. They monitor the juveniles' behavior to look for possible signs of violence or suicide. Correctional officers may also transport the juveniles from one correctional facility to another or to and from court appearances.

Significance

Juvenile correctional officers play a major role in determining the future of juvenile offenders. They monitor the juveniles' progress and complete reports as to the status of their rehabilitation. They make recommendations as to whether a juvenile can be released back into society or needs additional rehabilitation and treatment.

Benefits

Correctional officers can benefit the juveniles and society by helping the juveniles to become productive citizens. They conduct counseling and therapy sessions on a group or individual basis in an effort to rehabilitate troubled youths. Some of the juveniles may have little guidance from parents, so the correctional officers teach essential life skills such as solving problems and dealing with anger and frustration in a positive manner.

Warning

Those who are considering becoming a juvenile correctional officer should be aware of the possible dangers. Juvenile offenders may have a violent history and could act out at any moment. They can be a threat to themselves, other juveniles and the correctional officers. The correctional officers must be willing and able to use force if necessary to subdue an enraged juvenile.

Potential

According to DegreeDirectory.org, a juvenile correctional officer should possess a 4-year college degree in a field such as Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Sociology or Psychology as well as 2 to 3 years of work experience in juvenile counseling. DegreeFinders.com indicates that the average starting salary for juvenile correction officers is around $28,000 as of 2010, while those who advance into senior management positions can earn as much as $58,000 per year.

References

• Education Portal: Juvenile Correctional Officer Job Description, Duties and Responsibilities
• Degree Directory: Juvenile Corrections Officer: Job Duties, Employment Outlook, and Education Requirements
• Degree Finders: How to Become a Juvenile Corrections Officer