Youth Specialist (Juvenile Correctional Officer)
Starting pay is over $50,000 per year. By working just two (2) overtime assignments per week, new staff can add an additional $30,000 salary per year. New Youth Specialists receive their first pay increase after six (6) months of employment.
About Us
The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio. DYS is statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders, ages 10-21, who have been adjudicated and committed by one of Ohio's 88 county juvenile courts. During their stay with DYS, youth are engaged in programming designed to address their criminological and behavioral needs. Our mission is to improve Ohio's future by habilitating youth and empowering families and communities.
Our guiding principles include treating everyone with respect, cultivating a trauma-responsive environment, providing the best support and services for youth and families, advancing inclusion, committing to collaboration and continuous improvement, and celebrating collective successes.
Responsibilities
- Provide safety, security, custodial care, and surveillance of assigned youth
- Utilize provided training to observe, intervene, and de-escalate youth behavior and conflicts
- Manage and maintain security and positive interactions during and after family visits
- Complete all required documents (reports, logs, evaluations, etc.)
- Oversee movement on facility grounds and outside trips
- Monitor and instruct youth on general housekeeping duties
- Maintain awareness of unusual behavior and crisis situations
- Collaborate and provide information to division leadership
Requirements
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Valid driver’s license
- Must successfully complete Juvenile Correctional Officer assessment
- Must be 21 years of age at time of application
- No prior experience in corrections is necessary, but a strong willingness to show up and give 100% every day is required
- Probationary period is 365 days
Schedule
New Youth Specialist staff usually start on 2nd shift (2 PM to 10 PM), but placement on any shift depends on the needs of the facility. This is a full-time, classified position.
Pay
Compensation is $24.88 per hour. Starting pay is over $50,000 per year, with potential to add an additional $30,000 annually by working two overtime assignments per week.
Skills
- Technical Skills: Criminology/Criminal Justice, Juvenile Corrections, Security
- Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Conflict Management, Reasoning, Situational Awareness, Observation
Work Location
Cuyahoga Juvenile Correctional Facility, Highland Hills, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.