Youth Development & Corrections Officer

Minnehaha County, SD; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Structured hours

Night shift differential

Comprehensive benefits

Retention bonus

Paid training

Job summary

Minnehaha County in Sioux Falls, SD is hiring Juvenile Correctional Officers to provide safety and guidance for youth, not just security. This role emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and building trust during a pivotal stage in a young person’s life.

The position offers competitive pay with a 24/7 shift schedule, a night shift differential, generous benefits, paid training, and a potential retention bonus.

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.
• 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.

Job description

Minnehaha County in Sioux Falls, SD is hiring Juvenile Correctional Officers to provide safety and guidance for youth, not just security. This role emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and building trust during a pivotal stage in a young person’s life.

The position offers competitive pay with a 24/7 shift schedule, a night shift differential, generous benefits, paid training, and a potential retention bonus.