Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for juvenile correctional officers since the rate of crimes among youngsters is rising in a number of locations. The job of a juvenile correctional officer is one of the toughest yet the most rewarding jobs in the field of criminology. These officers work in a rapidly challenging environment and have a direct impact on the lives of the younger generation.
Juvenile correctional officers work in detention or correctional facilities that are designed for the imprisonment of young people who have committed a serious crime and who are not old enough to be sent to an adult detention center. The correctional officers maintain the safety and security of the youth, the staff members and the people visiting the juvenile detention facility. The officers also make sure that the imprisoned minors strictly follow the rules of the facility.
Functions and Responsibilities
The primary function of a juvenile correctional officer is to ensure the safety of the imprisoned. The officer must have the ability to deal with emergencies, along with maintaining the facility’s rules and guidelines, and providing support in rehabilitation and treatment programs. The juvenile correctional officers must also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. General duties and responsibilities include the youngster’s care, safety and control. Other duties and responsibilities may include:
• Supervision and record keeping
• Initiating and actively participating in group discussions
• Reporting any kind of disturbing behavior among the inmates
• Safely transporting the inmates to their classes, halls, recreation or mental health facilities
• Monitoring and keeping a check on the inmates who have a special security status
• Regularly inspecting the facility and quarters to ensure security
• Conducting searches for any illegal imports concealed in the clothing, bodies and cells of the inmates
• Recording and reporting health issues
• Teaching problem-solving and behavioral management skills to the inmates and observing their behavioral and functional progress
Step To Becoming A Juvenile Correctional Officer
Pursuing a career as a juvenile correctional officer involves different types of certifications and specialized training. Therefore, you must follow these steps if you want to become a juvenile correctional officer:
1. In order to be well-qualified for the position of a juvenile correctional officer, you need to obtain a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or psychology. Some organizations only require the candidate to have passed a basic skills test along with a high school degree to become a correctional officer. Others require an associate’s degree in criminal justice or criminology. So, for getting hired quickly it is best to have an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in the related field.
2. Get yourself enrolled in psychology, criminal justice or sociology courses at a community college or a private training institute. These institutes also offer specialized training in criminal justice for the correctional officers. Search for such institutes in your area. Even if the position you’re applying for doesn’t require college level credits, it is advisable to enroll in the courses that relate to the position in order to increase your chances of being hired.
3. Contact the juvenile correctional facilities in your area and learn about new job openings. Ask them about their requirements related to specific job training and certification. Make note of who you spoke with and when so that after receiving the necessary training and certification, you may follow-up with that person to know about the latest job openings.
4. Although the application process may vary from one juvenile detention facility to the other, all correctional officer positions require you to submit a detailed background check.
5. Once you’re hired, complete any required training and certification. Employers provide extensive training to newly-hired correctional officers to equip them with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform well on the job. There are many special certification exams and trainings for correctional officers such as CPR, civil rights and others.
About the author: Adel Reuben is a Professional qualified writer and currently working at Dissertation Mojo, a UK based academic writing Company. His expertise’s in academia and loves to write on student affairs.