Youth Correctional Officer: Change Lives on Every Shift

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Night shift differential

Paid training

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Minnehaha County is seeking a Juvenile Correctional Officer in Sioux Falls, SD to provide safety, structure, and guidance for youth in a 24/7 facility. The role emphasizes compassion, professionalism, and teamwork, with paid training and opportunities for pay increases as part of a comprehensive benefits package.

The position offers rotating shifts from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., 3 p.m.–11 p.m., and 11 p.m.–7 a.m., with a $1/night differential and a retention bonus program for eligible new hires.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Communication

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Minnehaha County is seeking a Juvenile Correctional Officer in Sioux Falls, SD to provide safety, structure, and guidance for youth in a 24/7 facility. The role emphasizes compassion, professionalism, and teamwork, with paid training and opportunities for pay increases as part of a comprehensive benefits package.

The position offers rotating shifts from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., 3 p.m.–11 p.m., and 11 p.m.–7 a.m., with a $1/night differential and a retention bonus program for eligible new hires.