Part-Time Juvenile Correctional Worker

Minnehaha County; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,893,000; Part time

Job summary

The Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center is accepting applications for part-time Juvenile Correctional Workers (JCW). JCWs perform entry level professional work in supervision, care, guidance, and custody of juveniles detained by the courts.

Flexible hours may include days, evenings, and overnights, offering a chance to serve as a community role model. Training is provided to develop effective communication, de-escalation, and other critical skills used by corrections and law enforcement

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check.
• Ability to work with juveniles and establish boundaries.
• Effective verbal and written communication required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor juveniles during daily activities such as education, meals, hygiene, recreation, visitations, and phone calls.
• Complete incident reports, daily logs, admissions, releases, and behavioral observations.
• Plan and lead recreational and leisure activities; ensure safety during programs, kitchen tasks, and classroom activities.
• Assist with food preparation, housekeeping, and general facility operations including cleaning and laundry.
• Transport youth to required appointments and court appearances; maintain safety and accountability during transport.

Skills

Communication skills

De-escalation techniques

Observation skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center is accepting applications for part‑time Juvenile Correctional Workers (JCW). JCW’s perform entry level professional work in the supervision, care, guidance, and custody of juveniles detained by the courts. The hours for this position are flexible and may include days, evenings and overnight shifts. This is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative team and serve in your community as a role model to juveniles.

Training is provided where new employees will learn effective communication and de‑escalation skills to manage juvenile behavior within the Juvenile Detention Center. Our training program is custom designed to the individual to teach Safe Crisis Management, report writing, first aid, problem solving, and other critical skills used by corrections and law enforcement professionals.

• Supervise and monitor juveniles during daily activities including education, meals, hygiene, recreation, visitations, and phone calls. Conduct regular room checks and provide guidance to reduce tension and maintain a safe environment. Enforce facility rules and disciplinary standards.

• Complete documentation such as incident reports, daily logs, admissions, releases, and behavioral observations.

• Plan and lead recreational and leisure activities. Ensure safety during all programs, kitchen tasks, and classroom activities.

• Assist with food preparation, housekeeping, and facility operations, including cleaning and laundry.

• Transport youth to required appointments and court appearances as assigned.

High school diploma or GED and ability to work effectively with juveniles by gaining their confidence and respect. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 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, when necessary. Effective verbal and written communication. Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with youths, colleagues, other agencies and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

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].