Juvenile Corrections Officer

    Criminal Justice & Protective Services

    CIP Name: Juvenile Corrections Specialist|CIP Code: 43.0110
    SOC Codes: 21-1021, 25-1111, 33-3012

    Specialize in the provision of correction services to underage minor populations.

    $59K
    Median Salary
    +2%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    30.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Juvenile Corrections Officers Do

    Specialize in the provision of correction services to underage minor populations.

    Common Tasks

    Child, Family, and School Social Workers

    • 1Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
    • 2Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
    • 3Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
    • 4Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
    • 5Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.

    What You'll Learn

    correctionsjuvenile delinquencyjuvenile development and psychologyjuvenile law and justice administrationsocial servicesrecord-keeping procedurescommunication skills

    Types of Juvenile Corrections Officers

    Adoption Social WorkerCase ManagerCase WorkerChild Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker)Family Protection SpecialistFamily Resource CoordinatorFamily Service WorkerFoster Care Social WorkerSchool Social WorkerYouth Services SpecialistAdjunct InstructorAdjunct ProfessorAssistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorCriminal Justice InstructorCriminal Justice ProfessorDigital Forensics InstructorInstructorJustice ProfessorProfessorBooking OfficerCommunity Services Officer (CSO)Correctional OfficerCorrections Officer (CO)Deputy JailerDetention DeputyDetention OfficerJail OfficerJailerJailor

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Juvenile detention centers
    • • Youth correctional facilities
    • • Probation and court services offices
    • • Group homes and residential treatment centers
    • • Schools and community social service agencies

    Schedule

    Many roles follow set schedules, but facility-based jobs often require rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays with high time pressure.

    Physical Demands

    Work can involve long periods of standing and walking, frequent handling of objects, and responding quickly to incidents. Some roles are more desk-based with extended sitting for documentation and case management.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $58,570
    $41,745$94,036+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $41,745
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $47,507
    Median
    50th percentile
    $58,570
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $75,337
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $94,036+

    National Employment: 803,600 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as courts and agencies expand diversion, rehabilitation, and reentry services for youth, increasing the need for staff who can manage cases and coordinate services. Growth in school-based and community programs can also increase hiring for juvenile-focused social service roles.

    Skills You'll Need

    De-escalation and conflict managementClear report writing and record-keepingInterviewing and assessment skillsKnowledge of juvenile law and court processesTrauma-informed communicationProfessional boundaries and ethicsSituational awareness and safety mindsetTeamwork and coordination with agencies

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Meaningful work supporting youth rehabilitation
    • Strong need for communication and counseling skills
    • Clear procedures and structured work environment
    • Transferable experience to social services or law enforcement
    • Steady openings due to turnover in high-stress roles

    Cons

    • High-stress situations and potential exposure to conflict
    • Shift work and mandatory overtime in facilities
    • Heavy documentation and strict compliance requirements
    • Risk of burnout and compassion fatigue
    • Work can involve difficult family and legal issues
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Juvenile Corrections Officer Trade

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