Juvenile corrections officers work in juvenile correctional facilities, detention centers and occasionally specialized treatment centers. They are responsible for preventing escapes, assaults and other disturbances by enforcing rules and maintaining security. On a given day, a juvenile corrections officer might supervise inmate activities, search living quarters, offer rehabilitation services, inspect locks and windows, and keep a detailed activity log.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most correctional officers are employed by local and state government, though some work for the federal government in federal prisons. Because the inmate population is in constant flux, correctional officers must be ready for unexpected disturbances and be comfortable working with unpredictable inmates. They must be able to think on their feet and communicate effectively with other officers and government officials. Physical health and self-defense skills are also important.
Juvenile corrections officer salary and career outlook
For an idea of what juvenile correctional officers might make in the coming years, as well as job growth projections, view the table below:
| Career | Total Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 88,120 | $59,910 |
Training for juvenile corrections officers
Required training for juvenile corrections officers varies by government agency and facility, but a high-school diploma or GED is always required. The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires correctional officers have a bachelor's degree and/or three years of full-time experience providing supervision, counseling or assistance. In state and local facilities, individuals without prior experience can increase their employment opportunities by earning college credits through traditional or online degree programs, including juvenile corrections officer training online.
Upon being hired, correctional officers receive thorough on-the-job training. Federal corrections officers are required to undergo 200 hours of formal training, while state and local officers work as trainees for several weeks or months under the supervision of an experienced officer.
Sources:
Cost of Living Data Series: First Quarter 2014, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center,
http://www.missourieconomy.org/indicators/cost_of_living/index.stm
Occupational Employment and Wages: Correctional Officers and Jailers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2013,
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm
Correctional Officers, "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Jan. 8, 2014,
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm