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Summary
Salary: $27.57 - $30.40 Hourly
Location : 415 N. Dakota Ave Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-47
Department: Juvenile Detention Center
Division: Juvenile Detention Center
Opening Date: 05/07/2026
Why Join Our Team
The Minnehaha County 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 May 21, 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 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. Effective verbal and written communication. 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 or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social science, or related field. Experience working with adolescents or juveniles in a variety of environments. Training or certification in non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and First Aid. Training or experience with diverse cultures.
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.
Insurance
* Coverage effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
* Available for employees and dependents.
Health/Prescription - Minnehaha County's health benefit plan offers low deductibles with two network options for coverage: Avera or Sanford. The county pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included.
Dental - Minnehaha County offers dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services.
Life Insurance - Minnehaha County provides a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee along with and additional $15,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Additional term life insurance and AD&D may be purchased by employees for themselves and dependents through payroll deduction.
Retirement
Retirement Plan - Minnehaha County participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match (8% for certified law enforcement). Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment.
Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth IRA) basis through our supplemental retirement program.
Paid Time Off
Paid Time Off - approximately 128 hours (16 days) per year
Holiday Leave - 11 days per calendar year
Extended Sick Leave - approximately 48 hours (6 days) per year
Flexible Spending Plan
Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - Minnehaha County offers FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.
Eye Med Vision Policy
Eye Med Insight Network - Minnehaha County offers a vision plan for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums with a frame or lens allowance of up to $130 per year and an annual eye exam. Chose from many participating retailers such as Pearle Vision, Target Optical, LensCrafters and many others!
01
What best describes the highest level of your completed education?- Some high school
- High school diploma or GED
- Some college
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social sciences, education or a related field
- Master's degree or higher
02
Please indicate the level of your professional work experience in the criminal justice or a closely related field:- I do not have any experience in criminal justice or a closely related field.
- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5+ years
03
Please indicate the level of your professional experience working with juveniles:- I do not have any experience working with juveniles.
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5+ years
04
Which shift are you most interested in working?- 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
- 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
05
If offered, would you be interested in a part-time position as a Juvenile Correctional Worker?- Yes
- No
- Unsure. Would like more information on this option.
06
Where did you hear about this job opportunity?- Minnehaha County Career Website
- Indeed
- Keloland
- CareerBuilder
- College Career Board/Notification
- Employee Referral
- Other
Required Question -
Job Description
Salary: $27.57 - $30.40 Hourly
Location : 415 N. Dakota Ave Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-47
Department: Juvenile Detention Center
Division: Juvenile Detention Center
Opening Date: 05/07/2026
Why Join Our Team
The Minnehaha County 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 May 21, 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 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. Effective verbal and written communication. 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 or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social science, or related field. Experience working with adolescents or juveniles in a variety of environments. Training or certification in non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and First Aid. Training or experience with diverse cultures.
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.
Insurance
* Coverage effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
* Available for employees and dependents.
Health/Prescription - Minnehaha County's health benefit plan offers low deductibles with two network options for coverage: Avera or Sanford. The county pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included.
Dental - Minnehaha County offers dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services.
Life Insurance - Minnehaha County provides a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee along with and additional $15,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Additional term life insurance and AD&D may be purchased by employees for themselves and dependents through payroll deduction.
Retirement
Retirement Plan - Minnehaha County participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match (8% for certified law enforcement). Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment.
Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth IRA) basis through our supplemental retirement program.
Paid Time Off
Paid Time Off - approximately 128 hours (16 days) per year
Holiday Leave - 11 days per calendar year
Extended Sick Leave - approximately 48 hours (6 days) per year
Flexible Spending Plan
Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - Minnehaha County offers FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.
Eye Med Vision Policy
Eye Med Insight Network - Minnehaha County offers a vision plan for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums with a frame or lens allowance of up to $130 per year and an annual eye exam. Chose from many participating retailers such as Pearle Vision, Target Optical, LensCrafters and many others!
01
What best describes the highest level of your completed education?- Some high school
- High school diploma or GED
- Some college
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social sciences, education or a related field
- Master's degree or higher
02
Please indicate the level of your professional work experience in the criminal justice or a closely related field:- I do not have any experience in criminal justice or a closely related field.
- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5+ years
03
Please indicate the level of your professional experience working with juveniles:- I do not have any experience working with juveniles.
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5+ years
04
Which shift are you most interested in working?- 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
- 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
05
If offered, would you be interested in a part-time position as a Juvenile Correctional Worker?- Yes
- No
- Unsure. Would like more information on this option.
06
Where did you hear about this job opportunity?- Minnehaha County Career Website
- Indeed
- Keloland
- CareerBuilder
- College Career Board/Notification
- Employee Referral
- Other
Required Question -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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