Juvenile Correctional Officer - Waycross RYDC - Waycross, GA (NSC)

Juvenile Justice, Department of; Waycross (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in Waycross, GA is seeking a Juvenile Correctional Officer to ensure the safety and security of detained youth at Waycross RYDC. The role emphasizes positive guidance, structured routines, and a therapeutic environment in a correctional setting.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, Georgia POST certification within six months, and a valid driver's license. A physically demanding role with opportunities for public service and career growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must possess and maintain State of Georgia P.O.S.T. certification within the first six months of employment.
• Agency requirement: Must have a valid Driver License.
• Physical agility standards required; may need to pass agility tests as per agency policy.

Responsibilities

• Custody, security, and care of youth following DJJ policies and procedures.
• Provide direct support, guidance, and structure for detained youth focused on safety and rehabilitation.
• Conduct security inspections, counts, and supervision in housing units, classrooms, and facilities.

Education

High school diploma/GED

P.O.S.T. certification

Driver license

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia! We are the force that drives Georgia! Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens! Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title

Juvenile Correctional Officer - Waycross RYDC - Waycross, GA (NSC)

Job Requisition ID: JR0000000417

Number of Openings: 0

Shift: Compensation Details: $44,762

Job Summary

Positively impact the lives of youth in the care of the Department of Juvenile Justice through the collaborative creation and maintenance of a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment in facilities. Provide support, guidance, and structure for our detained youth by modeling, encouraging, and reinforcing pro-social behaviors to include patience, empathy, cooperation, professionalism, and respect.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the custody, security, and care of youth through adherence to policies and standard operating procedures governing the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Provides direct support, guidance, and structure for detained youth with an emphasis on safety, personal conduct, care, and rehabilitation.
• Provides security through contraband searches, security counts, and supervision of assigned youth in housing units, classroom areas, and other facility areas; and performs security checks of various assigned areas.
• Maintains order and discipline by intervening with youth through active supervision and controlling inappropriate youth behavior to maintain a safe and secure environment.
• Supervises the movement and transition of youth, both within and outside of designated facilities, in transit to and from other facilities, and during temporary leave.
• Promotes the development of adaptive behavior in youth through the use of positive reinforcements, effective redirection and verbal coaching, and active modeling of desired behaviors.
• Screens visitors and staff upon entry to a secure facility to control contraband and prevent unauthorized access.
• Utilizes various security equipment and technology to successfully support the safety and well-being of youth served in facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED.
• Must possess and maintain State of Georgia P.O.S.T. certification within the first six (6) months of employment.
• Agency Requirement: Must have valid Driver License.
• Physical Agility Standards: This position requires the ability to perform physically demanding activities associated with maintaining safety and security within our secured facilities and community settings. Candidates must be capable of meeting agency-established physical agility standards and may be required to successfully complete a validated physical agility assessment before hiring and at other intervals as required by agency policy. The Department of Juvenile Justice reserves the right to modify physical agility standards and testing requirements as necessary to meet operational, legal, accreditation, certification, or safety requirements.

Military Salary Increase Incentive Amount

• 2.5% for one year of active-duty service
• 5% for two years of active-duty service
• 7.5% for three years of active-duty service
• 10% for 4+ years of active-duty service

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Juvenile Justice is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance.
• Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• We are a qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• For more information, visit https://djj.georgia.gov/Online-Applications/employee-benefits

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION. THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

DJJ IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must possess and maintain State of Georgia P.O.S.T. Certification within the first six months of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's 10 million citizens. With nearly 62,000 employees, we are one of the single largest employer in the state. Public service opportunities stretch across the state as employees live and work in all 159 counties. From traditional fields such as accounting, nursing, and engineering to unique fields like forestry and natural resources management, Georgia state government provides a world of opportunity.