Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center invites you to apply for a Juvenile Correctional Officer I position to perform entry level professional work in the supervision, care, guidance, and custody of juveniles detained by the courts. This is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative team and serve as a positive role model for juveniles.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Ensure safety of juveniles by conducting room checks and ensuring safe completion of daily activities by assisting in food preparation, kitchen duties, and cleaning of classrooms, showers, and laundry areas.
• Complete proper documentation for warrants, incident reports, daily activity logs, admissions, releases, reports, and observations of juveniles' overall behavior.
• De-escalate volatile situations using non-violent crisis intervention and physically restrain youth, when necessary, to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others.
• Admit and release juveniles by completing paperwork and verifying accuracy of information and checking juveniles' property and medication in and out of the computer system.
• May act as a Special Lay Magistrate by gathering testimony from law enforcement to determine placement of the juvenile. Schedule court date and time. Notify guardian of determination.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

• Associate's degree in criminal justice, social science, or related field and one year of related work experience. Comparable combination of education or experience may be considered.
• Must possess a valid driver's license. Must maintain a safe driving record.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
• Ability to work effectively with juveniles by gaining their confidence and respect. Basic knowledge of the growth, development, needs, and problems of adolescents.
• Strong 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with youth, employees, other agencies and the public.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

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 (605) 367-4337.