Juvenile corrections officers take their place among adult corrections officers and jailers as serving in one of the most challenging and dangerous work environments in the nation. Handling juvenile inmates requires personal motivation, patience, and good communication skills.

Earn a Degree in Juvenile Corrections

A juvenile corrections degree is earned from community colleges and universities. Most employers don't require a degree but look favorably on candidates that have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree. Management opportunities are available to those with degrees from criminal justice schools.

Recognized degrees include majors in corrections and law enforcement. Corrections degrees specifically designed for juvenile corrections work may incorporate the following classes:

• Law and legal issues of corrections
• Facility management
• Communication skills
• Use of force and self-defense
• Law enforcement techniques and tactics

Juvenile Corrections Officer Job Responsibilities

The role of the juvenile corrections officer is rehabilitative in nature. Most incarcerated juvenile offenders are not yet habitual criminals and the juvenile justice system recognizes the opportunity for positive intervention. Juvenile corrections officers are sometimes known as corrections treatment specialists in an effort to avoid the stigma of incarceration. The juvenile corrections officer wears several hats during a single shift. There is no predicting what an officer will deal with when he or she goes to work. Job responsibilities of the juvenile corrections officer include:

• Supervision of juvenile offenders
• Unofficial counseling and encouragement of offenders
• Controlling juvenile inmate behavior
• Transportation of offenders to and from facilities
• Security and safety of staff and juvenile inmates

Job Prospects for Juvenile Corrections Officers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009, corrections officers as a whole earned a mean annual wage of $50,500. Job prospects in the field are good as vacancies are often filled as soon as they become open. Overall employment prospects for juvenile corrections officers are expected to grow as fast as other occupations.