Juvenile Justice Officer II- New Hanover

Recruitment began on July 1, 2025 and the job listing expires on July 16, 2025.

Virtual Hiring Event New Hanover Juvenile Detention Center – Juvenile Justice Officer II – July 23, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Virtual interviews for multiple positions will be conducted on July 23, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Note: Please be sure to apply before the closing date; applications for this event will not be accepted the day of interviews.

Shift work is required for these positions, including weekend and holiday shifts. Candidates for these positions are eligible to receive a shift premium (10%) when assigned to either 2nd or 3rd shift. Now offering a sign-on bonus of $3,000.00! To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months in North Carolina state government.

This job classification also qualifies for the employee referral bonus program. If you were referred to this job posting by a current DPS employee, and if you are hired, that employee could qualify for a referral bonus.

The duties of a Youth Services Behavioral Specialist include implementing individual and group treatment plans to affect behavioural changes required for youthful offender rehabilitation while providing security, controlling and maintaining custody, and safeguarding juveniles from each other. Please note: This is NOT an office position; this is a direct care position where you will be providing direct supervision and engagement at a Youth Development Center or a Juvenile Detention Center with close proximity to court-ordered youth.

Juvenile Justice Officer II’s (Youth Services Behavioral Specialist) enjoy annual salary increases with a step pay plan. Your initial salary is based on your total months of related education and experience above the minimum requirements (related Bachelor’s degree or total of 48 months experience or equivalent combination of education and experience). Please list all work experience in order for you to receive maximum credit. This will help determine the correct salary and step for potential candidates. Candidates will only receive credit for experience documented on the state application. Once hired, your pay will continue to increase as you gain more related experience up to step 6, and you may also qualify for other promotional opportunities. There are many opportunities for promotional advancement within Juvenile Justice!

The State of North Carolina provides work/life balance, a team-oriented culture, opportunities for advancement, and interesting work. If you are looking to serve others, this is the place for you.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. Work hours will vary depending on the facility that you are hired for. Candidates must be able to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis and be able to work on a variable work schedule to meet the needs of juveniles and their families.

Various option packages will enhance your quality of life, health, wellness, and future. Some examples are vacation, twelve paid holidays, and paid parental leave, as well as health insurance, disability (short and long term) insurance, and dental insurance.

About the Division of Juvenile Justice: The mission of Juvenile Justice is to reduce and prevent juvenile delinquency by effectively intervening, educating, and treating youth in order to strengthen families and increase public safety. The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is committed to this mission. If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of North Carolina’s youth, we welcome you to be part of the team.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies: To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate ALL of the following KSAs: Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with people. You must be physically capable of applying the proper methods and procedures to physically restrain juveniles and defend yourself after being properly trained by the department. The physical demands for this position will be discussed during the interview.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution; OR high school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and four years of related human services experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Please list all work experience in order for you to receive maximum credit. This will be directly related to a possible salary offer.

Necessary Special Qualification: Applicants for positions designated as Juvenile Justice Officers are subject to and must meet the hiring and training standards established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Selected applicants must attend and successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Officer Basic Training certification program, which requires four weeks to complete and includes classroom and physically demanding training. This training is carried out at regional training centers and requires consecutive overnight stays. In addition, the selected candidate must have or be able to obtain required documentation for certification as a Juvenile Justice Officer, pass a criminal background check, pass a drug screening test, pass a psychological test, pass a sexual risk screening test, and pass a physical (to include vision and hearing).