Juvenile Detention Officer Trainee - Transitional

Juvenile Detention Officer Trainee - Transitional

Locations: Bridgeport and Hartford

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch is seeking entry‑level applicants who enjoy working with youth and are interested in starting a career path as a Juvenile Detention Officer Trainee. Applicants must possess basic knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the mentoring, care, custody, safety, and security of adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system, who are typically between the ages of 12 and 18.

• Supervise the daily activities of detainees.
• Maintain security, order, and discipline.
• Oversee and document detainee behavior, including health, misconduct, abuse, or potentially criminal conduct.
• Supervise and instruct detainees in matters of personal hygiene.
• Take necessary action to intervene and control detainee behavior that is physically threatening using approved control and restraint methods.
• Apply handcuffs and leg restraints for detainees being transported.
• Take part in a pre‑service training program covering suicide prevention, CPR, First Aid, safe crisis management, handcuffing, and other relevant skills.

• One year of experience in performing correctional work or institutional supervision of adolescents, juveniles, or young adults, or comparable areas of prevention of juvenile delinquency.
• College training in a closely related field may substitute for the general experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one‑half year of experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be physically able and willing to work evening and/or night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime is likely and positions are full‑time (40 hours).

Applicants selected for interview must complete a pre‑employment physical, successfully pass a drug screening process, a criminal records check, and a DCF background check. Selected candidates will also attend and pass all phases of an approximately five‑week pre‑service training followed by a course of shadowing in the detention center.

Incumbents should be aware of the risk of injury from assaultive or abusive youth detainees and possible exposure to communicable diseases.

Starting salary range is approximately $41,252 – $50,343 per year for day shift positions or $43,332 – $52,423 per year for night shift positions, plus State of Connecticut benefits. New employees begin at the minimum. Existing state employees may earn higher salaries in accordance with existing Judicial Branch policy.

Upon completion of 2,080 hours as a Juvenile Detention Officer Trainee Transitional, individuals advance to Juvenile Detention Officer Trainee with a salary increase to Salary Grade 14, Step 1 ($54,911). Upon completion of one year as a Juvenile Detention Officer Trainee, individuals advance to Juvenile Detention Officer with a salary increase to Salary Grade 16, Step 1 ($60,158).

Applications should be submitted through the online application site. Paper applications will not be accepted.

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch is committed to building a diverse workforce and encourages applications from female candidates.

Posting number: #JD-

EOE