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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Juvenile Detention Officers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Juvenile Detention Officers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: -10%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
Becoming a juvenile detention officer is a rewarding career path for those who want to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. If you're considering this profession, you'll need to follow certain steps and meet specific requirements. Here's what you need to know about entering this field.
Before pursuing this career, it's essential to understand what a juvenile detention officer does. You'll be responsible for the supervision, safety, and rehabilitation of young offenders in a detention facility. This includes:
Typically, you will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to become a juvenile detention officer. However, many employers prefer candidates with some post-secondary education. Consider the following options:
Experience in law enforcement, corrections, or working with youth can be advantageous. Volunteering or working in positions such as:
Most juvenile detention centers provide training for new hires, which may include:
Some states require juvenile detention officers to be certified. This typically involves completing a training program and passing an exam. Check with your state's Department of Corrections or similar agency for specific requirements.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must undergo thorough background checks and drug testing. Make sure you have a clean record and are prepared for these evaluations.
Juvenile detention officers should be physically fit as the job may involve restraining youths or responding to emergencies. Maintaining good physical condition is often a requirement.
To be successful in this role, you'll need certain skills and attributes, such as:
Once you've met the necessary requirements, start applying for open positions at juvenile detention centers. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Remember to check government job portals such as USAJobs.gov for federal positions or your local government's career page for state and county jobs.
By following these steps and being committed to continuous learning and professional development, you can successfully become a juvenile detention officer and contribute meaningfully to the rehabilitation of young offenders.
To become a Juvenile Detention Officer, you'll generally need:
You can gain relevant experience by:
Upon hiring, Juvenile Detention Officers usually undergo:
Yes, there are advancement opportunities such as:
The daily responsibilities include:
Job openings can be found on:
The salary range varies widely based on location, experience, and education but typically falls within:
For current salary information, it's best to check specific job listings or resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yes, professional organizations include:
Joining these organizations can provide networking opportunities, training resources, and industry updates.