The Role of a Youth Correctional Officer

From 2000 to 2022, the number of youths in juvenile justice facilities decreased by 75%, from 108,800 to 27,600. While the decrease in youth incarceration is promising, there is still a need for professionals to support youths involved in the juvenile justice system. Their work can help lower the recidivism rate and improve the overall quality of life of the youths they serve.

Planning for a career as a youth correctional counselor starts with earning a high school diploma or GED, but many larger or federal facilities require a bachelor’s degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice . With such a degree, a youth correctional counselor can intervene in a young person’s life during a critical time and help them on a path toward a brighter future.

What Does a Youth Correctional Counselor Do?

A youth or juvenile correctional counselor works with youth who have committed one or more criminal offenses. This criminal justice career allows counselors to work directly with these youths to guide them and facilitate rehabilitation. Though this career is more focused on criminal justice, addressing crimes, and preventing more crime from occurring, it also overlaps with the criminology side of law enforcement , as these law enforcement professionals also play a role in studying trends in youth crime, helping to shape policies and services for incarcerated minors.

In many ways, they serve as life coaches, guiding incarcerated youth through mental, emotional, and psychological practices that prepare them for life outside of their correctional facility.

Youth Correctional Counselor Job Description

Responsibilities of youth correctional counselors include:

• Collecting, recording, and storing an inmate’s personal property
• Conducting cell searches
• Communicating with families, outside law enforcement, lawyers, community organizations, and anyone related to an inmate and the crimes they have committed
• Organizing crisis intervention programs, individual counseling, and group counseling
• Deescalating altercations
• Collecting evidence for incident reports
• Ensuring all areas of a correctional facility are safe for residents, visitors, and staff
• Escorting inmates to appointments within and outside of their facility
• Maintaining inmate records
• Searching, booking, fingerprinting, and otherwise preparing to receive inmates

Youth Correctional Counselor Work Environments

Youth correctional counselors typically work at juvenile detention centers, but they may also be employed by community programs, parole offices, or government agencies. They may be hired by local or state facilities or at a federal level.

Youth Correctional Officer Job Outlook and Salary

In the U.S., many changes are happening to the correctional system. For this reason, the role of a youth correctional officer is being molded into something new. These changes may affect the path a youth correctional officer may take, as well as future openings for these positions.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be around 31,000 new openings projected for correctional officers and bailiffs, including youth correctional officers, between 2023 and 2033.

Average Salary

According to Payscale, the median yearly salary for a youth correctional counselor is about $51,850. However, salary figures can depend on location, experience, and other factors, and the top 10% of earners make more than $78,000.

Planning for a Career as a Youth Correctional Counselor

The necessary requirements for becoming a youth correctional counselor vary depending on the facility. While some facilities mainly require a high school diploma, other facilities have higher education and experience requirements.

Education Requirements

To work at a state or local juvenile detention center, an aspiring correctional officer needs a high school diploma or GED, as well as completed juvenile-specific training. However, at a federal level, a degree in criminal justice is generally needed.

Professional Experience and History

In most cases, regardless of whether the facility is state, local, or federal, a youth correctional counselor needs to pass a background check, a drug test, and a criminal history report. They may also have to complete additional tests, like personality tests, physical fitness exams, and written skills exams. Once accepted into a position, they may also have to undergo a probationary period and in-service training.

To work at a state or local level, a youth correctional counselor must be a U.S. resident or eligible permanent resident alien over the age of 21. To work at a federal facility, they must be a U.S. citizen over 21 but under 36.

Necessary Skills

Skills needed for becoming a youth correctional officer include:

• Patience: Working with juveniles may mean managing additional challenges, as they may be facing difficult circumstances and likely aren’t fully developed cognitively. A youth correctional officer must display patience and understanding to offer the best support.

• Communication: Youth correctional counselors not only communicate with juveniles but also their families and anyone else who has a stake in their care.

• Public speaking: Youth correctional officers often lead group counseling sessions and must be strong public speakers who can demonstrate focus and stay on topic.

• Physical fitness: Youth correctional officers may sometimes need to lift heavy objects, run quickly, or engage physically to stop an altercation.

• Decision-making: To manage situations effectively, youth correctional counselors must be able to act quickly and rationally in sometimes frightening moments.

Helping Children Toward a Brighter Future as a Youth Correctional Counselor

Youth correctional counselors play a vital role in helping previously incarcerated youth plan for a better future. With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University®, students can prepare to advance their careers and make a difference in the lives of incarcerated youth.

This degree provides hands-on learning opportunities, focused on injustice and inequality in the criminal justice system, the principles of criminal law, and applying evidence-based research into practice. Help today’s youth get ready for a brighter tomorrow with ECU.

Recommended Readings:

What Does a Court Clerk Do?

Victim Advocate: Role and Responsibilities

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

Sources:

Indeed, “How Do I Become a Juvenile Correctional Officer?”

Payscale, Average Juvenile Detention Officer Hourly Pay

The Sentencing Project, Youth Justice by the Numbers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs

ZipRecruiter, “What Is a Juvenile Corrections Officer and How To Become One”