Juvenile Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Structured Work Hours

Night Shift Differential

Comprehensive Benefits

Retention Bonus

Paid Training

Job summary

Minnehaha County is seeking Juvenile Correctional Officers to provide safety, mentorship, and guidance to youth in a 24/7 facility in Sioux Falls, SD. The role emphasizes compassionate supervision, accountability, and positive youth development from day one.

Join a team dedicated to building trust and delivering comprehensive training, with paid classroom and on-the-job instruction, rotating shifts, and opportunities for career growth in a structured public service environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education and related experience OR one year of experience working with at-risk youth, corrections, or a similarly structured environment.
• A valid driver's license and safe driving record.
• Must successfully complete the pre-employment background process.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe and secure environment by supervising youth throughout daily activities.
• Provide guidance and encouragement to help youth navigate challenges and develop accountability.
• Use communication and de-escalation skills to reduce conflict and support youth in moments of crisis.
• Build structure and consistency by enforcing facility expectations and procedures.
• Lead and support daily programming with educational, recreational, and life-skills activities.
• Monitor progress and document important information to aid decision-making and youth care.
• Support youth and families by collaborating with community providers and other partners.

Skills

Empathy

Calm under pressure

Communication

Teamwork

De-escalation

Adaptability

Education

Two years of post-secondary education or related experience

Job description

This position is located in Sioux Falls, SD

Help Change a Young Person's Future, One Shift at a Time

Some correctional jobs are about maintaining order. This one is about creating opportunities for change.

As a Juvenile Correctional Officer with Minnehaha County, you will do more than provide safety and security. You will become a trusted role model during one of the most critical times in a young person's life. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, teach accountability, and help youth develop the skills they need for a better future.

If you are looking for a career where compassion, professionalism, and teamwork come together to make a lasting impact, we want to meet you! We are currently accepting applications for a January 2027 start date.

Application Deadline is 11/4/2026 5:00 PM Central

Why Join Minnehaha County?

When you join our team, you're joining professionals who care deeply about serving youth and strengthening our community. We offer:

• Competitive Pay! The 2027 hiring range is $28.40/hr - $31.31/hr with full earning potential up to $42.08/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases.
• Structured Work Hours! Standard shift times are 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 3 p.m. - 11 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to provide coverage in a 24/7 operation. All positions include rotating weekends and holidays.
• Night Shift Differential! $1/hr night shift differential.
• Comprehensive Benefits! Generous PTO, Extended Sick Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, and Retirement through the state pension plan.
• Retention Bonus! Stay and grow your career with us! Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service by maintaining good performance and meeting program eligibility requirements.
• Paid Training! Receive paid classroom and on the job training that prepares you for success from day one, along with ongoing learning and professional development opportunities throughout your career.

How You Will Make an Impact

Every day brings new opportunities to make a difference. As a Juvenile Correctional Officer, you will provide the guidance, structure, and support youth need during a critical time in their lives. Through your guidance, consistency, and leadership, you will encourage personal growth, model positive behavior, and help youth develop the skills they need to make better choices. No two days are the same, but every day matters. The work you do plays an important role in helping young people build a stronger future for themselves and our community. In this role, you will:

• Create a safe and secure environment by supervising youth throughout daily activities, including meals, personal care, visitation, phone calls, educational programs, recreation, and other scheduled activities.
• Provide guidance and encouragement by helping youth navigate challenges, manage emotions, develop accountability, and make positive decisions.
• Use communication and de-escalation skills to reduce conflict, respond to challenging situations, and support youth through moments of crisis while maintaining safety for everyone.
• Build structure and consistency by enforcing facility expectations, following established procedures, and helping youth understand the importance of responsibility and accountability.
• Lead and support daily programming by organizing educational, recreational, and life-skills activities that encourage growth, learning, and positive behavior.
• Monitor progress and document important information by completing reports, activity logs, observations, and records that help support effective decision-making and youth care.
• Support youth and families by providing guidance, participating in mediation, and collaborating with community providers and other partners to promote positive outcomes.
• Assist with admissions, releases, transportation, and facility operations to ensure youth receive appropriate care and services throughout their time in the program.
• Support the juvenile justice process by assisting with court-related responsibilities, gathering information, and helping connect youth and families with appropriate resources.

View the full job description here.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

We're looking for individuals who remain calm under pressure, communicate with empathy and confidence, and believe in treating every person with dignity and respect. You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Communicate effectively and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Work well as part of a collaborative team.
• Adapt quickly to changing situations and remain focused on safety.
• Believe that accountability and encouragement can work together to create positive change.

Qualifications

Two years of post-secondary education and related experience OR one year of experience working with at-risk youth, in corrections, or in a similarly structured environment. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. A valid driver's license and safe driving record. Must successfully complete the pre-employment background process. Experience in criminal justice, behavioral health, education, social services, residential care, military service, or youth programming is valuable, but individuals from many backgrounds have found success in this role.

EEO Statement

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at [phone].