Explore a Career with Minnehaha County

Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center invites you to apply for a Juvenile Correctional Officer position to perform entry level professional work in the supervision, care, guidance, and custody of juveniles detained by the courts. This is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative team and serve as a positive role model for juveniles.

GREAT WAGES!

The hiring range is $27.57/hr - $30.40/hr with a full earning potential up to $40.85/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases.

NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL! Now paying a $1.00/hr night shift differential!

Standard shift times are 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 3 p.m. - 11 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to provide coverage in a 24/7 operation. All positions include rotating weekends and holidays.

A comprehensive benefits package includes paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous PTO program; extended sick leave program; inclusion in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS); and a deferred compensation plan!

RETENTION BONUS: Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers are eligible to receive $1,000 at 9 months, 18 months, 27 months, and 36 months of service with good performance!!

This position will remain open until filled. Application review begins on February 26, 2026.

Keywords: Corrections, Criminal Justice, Mentor

How You Will Make an Impact

• Ensure safety of juveniles by conducting room checks and ensuring safe completion of daily activities by assisting in food preparation, kitchen duties, and cleaning of classrooms, showers, and laundry areas.
• Complete proper documentation for warrants, incident reports, daily activity logs, admissions, releases, reports, and observations of juveniles' overall behavior.
• De-escalate volatile situations using non-violent crisis intervention and physically restrain youth, when necessary, to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others.
• Admit and release juveniles by completing paperwork and verifying accuracy of information and checking juveniles' property and medication in and out of the computer system.
• May act as a Special Lay Magistrate by gathering testimony from law enforcement to determine placement of the juvenile. Schedule court date and time. Notify guardian of determination.

Click here for the full job description.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

• At least two years post-high school related education and experience or one year of directly relevant experience working with at-risk youth, in a correctional setting, or in a similarly structured environment. Comparable combination of education or experience may be considered.
• Must possess a valid driver's license. Must maintain a safe driving record.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
• Ability to build and maintain professional, respectful, and appropriate boundaries with youth.
• Effective verbal and written communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to sense, evaluate and manage tense group situations as they develop.
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations.
• Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for youth safety and the safety of others.
• Basic knowledge of the growth, development, needs, and problems of adolescents.
• Knowledge of and skill in using technology and related software systems.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with youth, colleagues, other agencies and the public.
• Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Though not required to be considered for a position, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, or a related field is preferred. Experience working with adolescents or juveniles in a variety of settings, training or certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), CPR, and First Aid, and experience working with diverse populations and demonstrated cultural competency are also valued.

EEO Statement

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.