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For those who want to work in juvenile rehabilitation, there are many different careers available in this field.
Some of the common careers in this field include juvenile counselors, juvenile court attorneys, probation officers, and judges.
Those who work in the juvenile justice system will deal with troubled youths in several settings.
The justice system for juveniles was established as a way to discipline individuals who commit a crime but are too young to be tried as adults.
There is a different set of laws that apply to juveniles.
The age criteria to establish whether an individual is tried as an adult or juvenile are set by each particular region.
Juvenile Justice Careers
1. Juvenile Attorneys
Average salary – $98,330
When a young person is charged with a crime, an attorney knowledgeable and skilled in juvenile law should be considered for representation and counsel.
A juvenile attorney may speak on behalf of their juvenile client.
To become a juvenile attorney, a person will be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree and then attend law school.
This can take from seven to eight years to complete.
In addition, an individual pursuing a career as a juvenile attorney will need to pass the bar in the state where they wish to practice.
2. Juvenile Probation and Correctional Officers
Average salary – $51,888
Some juveniles who commit crimes will be given freedom with certain limitations.
These limitations will be provided by probation terms as determined by the judge.
A juvenile probation officer will be in charge of making sure that the youth offender abides by the rules of their probation.
To become a juvenile probation officer, a person must have at least an associate’s degree in a field such as criminology.
Certification, as well as experience in juvenile justice, criminology, and correctional administration, may also be required for an individual to obtain a job as a juvenile probation officer in some areas.
The job of juvenile correctional officers is very similar to that of a correctional officer working within a prison system with an adult population.
The difference, of course, is the age of the ward.
Offenders can be as young as 8 years old, and it takes a certain kind of personality to work with children and young adults in a corrections setting.
Both patience and maturity are required, as working with young offenders can be challenging.
Different states vary in their requirements for becoming a juvenile corrections officer, but having a degree in criminal justice, as well as certifications in psychology or extensive experience working with youth, would be advantageous.
3. Juvenile Court Judge
Average salary – $96,542
Juvenile Judges preside over juvenile cases and determine what the best course of punishment will be for the crimes that have been committed.
Juvenile judges often have a special interest in the rehabilitation of minors.
To become a judge in a juvenile court, a law degree will be required.
Most judges in these courts will first work as juvenile lawyers before being appointed to the bench.
4. Youth Case Manager
Average salary – $78,411
Youth case managers work with young people up to the age of 18, and sometimes, until 21 years of age.
Case managers who work with youths do not work with them only in a juvenile justice setting.
They work with them in various settings.
They provide guidance, support, and often make community referrals for homeless youths, for kids in foster care, those who are in the juvenile justice system, and youths who have mental health issues or substance use issues.
Youth case managers provide services and support on an individualized basis.
Each client has different needs, which require that youth case managers assess their clients’ individual needs.
They create and implement individualized case plans.
They monitor the youth’s progress and adjust case plans as necessary.
Youth case managers may coordinate with schools, family members, or agencies.
Some skills that youth case managers need are good communication skills, decision-making skills, critical thinking skills, and crisis management skills.
The education requirements vary by state or employer.
Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location.
Juvenile Rehabilitation Careers
5. Juvenile Counselors
Average salary – $52,365
Another career in juvenile rehabilitation is as a juvenile counselor.
A juvenile who is in trouble may be assigned a counselor to work with them to learn about their life, including their overall mental and emotional health.
Someone who wishes to work as a juvenile counselor will need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Most of these jobs require an individual to obtain a master’s degree.
Most juvenile counselors are required to be licensed in the state and will work with the juvenile’s probation officer to oversee the overall well-being of the youth offender.
6. Youth Rehabilitation Counselor
Average salary – $78,753
Youth rehabilitation counselors provide supervision and other services to juveniles who are in facilities.
They may work with youths who are in institutions or who are in rehabilitation facilities.
Youth rehabilitation counselors maintain the safety and security of facilities.
The duties of youth rehabilitation counselors may vary among different states.
Many of them provide case management services, develop and implement treatment plans, and provide individual and group counseling.
Some issues that youth rehabilitation counselors may address include behavior management, substance abuse, family issues, academic issues, and social skills.
They need to have a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, such as mental health counseling.
Average salary – $86,378
Social workers who specialize in providing services to juveniles can help those juveniles address their challenges and support them as they work through their struggles.
Some social workers work with juveniles who are incarcerated in the criminal justice system. They may work with juveniles who are on probation or parole.
Social workers who work with juveniles in other settings, including in the courts, represent the interests of their juvenile clients.
Juvenile social workers usually work in juvenile corrections facilities, group homes for young offenders, detention facilities, or in other juvenile justice settings.
Youth social workers perform some of the same duties as juvenile social workers, but they work in other settings, including schools and at community agencies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there will be faster-than-average job growth for social workers through at least 2033.
They do not separate information on juvenile social workers from the general social workers category.
The average salary for juvenile social workers varies based on experience, education, and the state where they work.
Juvenile social workers need to have a social worker’s license that is valid for the state where they work.
8. Substance Abuse Counselor (Working with Youth)
Average salary – $59,190
Substance abuse counselors who work with youths help them with more than their substance abuse issues.
Many young people who have emotional issues turn to alcohol or other drugs.
Youth substance abuse counselors help their clients with other issues that are common among youths who have substance use disorders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that youths who have substance abuse issues are in poorer health, compared to youths who do not have substance use disorders.
They also have higher rates of mental health issues.
Youth substance abuse counselors maintain case files, provide individual counseling, provide group counseling, and monitor clients’ progress.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster-than-average job growth for substance abuse counselors through 2033.
9. Mental Health Therapist (Adolescent Focus)
Average salary – $74,901
Mental health therapists who work with adolescents work with their clients and usually the adolescent’s family, after conducting a mental health evaluation of the child.
The mental health therapist provides therapy and other services to adolescents who are usually between 13 and 19 years of age.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that getting help for kids with mental health problems early can reduce problems at home, at school, and with their peers.
Mental health therapists who specialize in working with adolescents develop and implement treatment plans, review and update treatment plans, and provide individual, group, and family therapy.
They collaborate with others as needed, on an individual basis.
10. Behavioral Intervention Specialist
Average salary – $74,921
Behavioral intervention specialists work at schools, rehabilitation centers, and agencies.
They work with troubled youths to help them change negative, disruptive behaviors and replace them with positive behaviors.
Conducting behavioral assessments and developing and implementing individual behavior intervention plans are important duties for behavioral intervention specialists.
They help adolescents learn social skills and exhibit self-control.
Behavioral intervention specialists monitor and adjust the intervention strategies when needed and consult with parents and teachers to report the changes.
They also let parents and teachers know about the child’s progress.
The education and licensing requirements for behavioral intervention specialists vary by state.
11. School Resource Officer (SRO) With a Rehabilitation Focus
Average salary – $55,880
The National Association of School Resource Officers explains that school resource officers are law enforcement officers who are specially trained and properly equipped, with sworn authority.
They are trained in crisis response and school-based law enforcement procedures.
They do have the authority to detain or arrest students who break the law.
School resource officers with a rehabilitation focus may work at schools for troubled juveniles or in a regular school setting.
They develop and implement safety plans and conduct internal dispute mediation.
School resource officers must complete the same law enforcement training as other police officers.
Many law enforcement agencies require that their school resource officers also complete a Basic School Resource Officer (SRO) course.
5 Tips When Looking for a Job in Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Careers
Tip #1. Complete the Required Education
The required education for juvenile justice jobs and jobs in rehabilitation careers often varies from one state to another.
Check the education requirements for the state where you want to work, not the state where you live.
Tip #2. Check Job Boards
Colleges and universities usually have job boards in each department.
Students should check the job boards for similar jobs in other departments.
One example is that the criminal justice department may have job postings for case managers or for people who have education or experience in mental health.
Tip #3. Get Training and Experience
The first job that many people who work in juvenile justice or rehabilitation careers is not necessarily their dream job.
Getting your foot in the door with an entry-level job can give you an excellent path to your career goals.
Many criminal justice departments, agencies, and rehabilitation facilities promote from within, which means that if you take an entry-level job to start, you can achieve your career goals.
Tip #4. Search Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Department Websites
Search the law enforcement department websites where you want to work.
Check the websites for government agencies where you want to work that provide services to juveniles, or the sites for rehabilitation centers.
Check these sources regularly because job postings change from day to day.
Tip #5. Know the Salary Before You Apply
A job may sound like it is your dream job until you find out that the pay is below the normal range for that career.
Look for jobs with a good starting salary.
People earn a higher salary as they gain experience, learn new skills, or earn a certification or a license.
Work Environment
Judges and juvenile attorneys often work in the courtroom.
An attorney may also work with the juvenile at the detention center to learn more about the crimes that have been committed.
Probation officers and counselors often work in a juvenile detention center and may be required to visit the individual’s home from time to time as well.
Salary
Though salaries can vary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2024, the average annual salary for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists was $64,520.
National Average Salary: $67,880
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 970 | $54,790 | $26.34 | $73,200 | $37,770 |
| Arizona | 2,280 | $61,690 | $29.66 | $83,450 | $45,790 |
| Arkansas | 950 | $48,360 | $23.25 | $58,490 | $39,690 |
| California | 13,420 | $102,230 | $49.15 | $138,220 | $64,960 |
| Colorado | 2,280 | $66,070 | $31.77 | $90,420 | $50,980 |
| Connecticut | 1,130 | $92,970 | $44.70 | $117,540 | $61,730 |
| Delaware | 370 | $57,410 | $27.60 | $74,880 | $45,900 |
| Florida | 4,420 | $44,740 | $21.51 | $58,800 | $32,260 |
| Georgia | 2,380 | $50,190 | $24.13 | $61,900 | $39,580 |
| Hawaii | 40 | $68,540 | $32.95 | $90,210 | $52,040 |
| Idaho | 700 | $56,560 | $27.19 | $71,780 | $46,800 |
| Illinois | 2,520 | $72,600 | $34.91 | $98,590 | $47,080 |
| Indiana | 1,840 | $58,600 | $28.17 | $80,020 | $39,840 |
| Iowa | 830 | $73,220 | $35.20 | $95,330 | $52,000 |
| Kansas | 670 | $52,200 | $25.09 | $63,970 | $42,370 |
| Kentucky | 790 | $41,270 | $19.84 | $51,360 | $34,800 |
| Louisiana | 790 | $57,240 | $27.52 | $77,210 | $41,350 |
| Maine | 170 | $59,440 | $28.58 | $65,150 | $48,880 |
| Maryland | 1,180 | $71,430 | $34.34 | $86,440 | $53,640 |
| Massachusetts | 1,350 | $82,700 | $39.76 | $98,650 | $57,010 |
| Michigan | 2,090 | $69,670 | $33.49 | $77,670 | $52,080 |
| Minnesota | 1,740 | $77,890 | $37.45 | $100,880 | $51,260 |
| Mississippi | 300 | $35,040 | $16.85 | $44,800 | $27,460 |
| Missouri | 2,200 | $43,910 | $21.11 | $49,710 | $39,950 |
| Montana | 360 | $51,330 | $24.68 | $61,900 | $44,210 |
| Nebraska | 700 | $56,390 | $27.11 | $65,140 | $41,440 |
| Nevada | 710 | $68,080 | $32.73 | $85,760 | $49,260 |
| New Hampshire | 180 | $69,730 | $33.52 | $82,780 | $53,140 |
| New Jersey | 2,800 | $79,070 | $38.02 | $102,110 | $50,750 |
| New Mexico | 590 | $56,690 | $27.26 | $67,250 | $48,880 |
| New York | 4,140 | $83,920 | $40.35 | $108,900 | $59,530 |
| North Carolina | 3,060 | $53,470 | $25.71 | $68,240 | $41,790 |
| North Dakota | 180 | $61,680 | $29.65 | $74,260 | $50,900 |
| Ohio | 2,510 | $60,740 | $29.20 | $83,060 | $41,940 |
| Oklahoma | 810 | $51,520 | $24.77 | $63,630 | $39,160 |
| Oregon | 1,310 | $78,850 | $37.91 | $100,860 | $57,240 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,390 | $64,560 | $31.04 | $86,330 | $43,780 |
| South Carolina | 350 | $53,610 | $25.77 | $67,410 | $45,820 |
| South Dakota | 310 | $57,250 | $27.53 | $65,850 | $49,150 |
| Tennessee | 2,600 | $48,840 | $23.48 | $61,620 | $34,470 |
| Texas | 6,460 | $50,510 | $24.28 | $64,730 | $40,210 |
| Utah | 830 | $69,330 | $33.33 | $87,940 | $45,860 |
| Vermont | 180 | $72,230 | $34.73 | $85,920 | $58,460 |
| Virginia | 2,780 | $54,630 | $26.26 | $69,990 | $42,000 |
| Washington | 2,090 | $71,750 | $34.49 | $94,270 | $57,600 |
| West Virginia | 900 | $48,430 | $23.28 | $63,380 | $35,460 |
| Wisconsin | 1,370 | $55,710 | $26.79 | $69,120 | $45,320 |
| Wyoming | 160 | $56,040 | $26.94 | $68,020 | $48,750 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $102,230.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
I admire the focus on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures in juvenile justice. It acknowledges that young offenders can change and deserve the opportunity to do so.