juvenile correctional officer

youth development professional

high school teacher

teacher

mental health technician

Texas Juvenile Justice Department

This place is a joke. Not only do the students get away with far too much and have far more rights than the employees, but they are not held responsible for their own actions at all and are given little to no consequences for their actions, which is very frustrating if you honestly came there to really and truly be a good mentor and to try to make a difference in their precious young lives. Their program itself is a joke and doesn't work. They are setting these children up for failure by creating entitled narcissistic monsters and the management doesn't listen to the employees input.  You're basically just an underpaid overworked glorified babysitter for entitled ingrates, which the system itself is creating because they do not try to stick with some sort of effective structure and appropriate dowling out of consequences to certain offenses that are committed within the institution by the students themselves.  Also you're treated very unfairly and the stories that the other employees that have been there longer tell you are enough to give you nightmares and to make you want to quit immediately.  I was discriminated against because I have issues with my back and I was let go because they felt like I couldn't perform my duties even though I was really trying and there were numerous other employees there with health issues that appeared that they probably couldn't adequately do there job either, but they kept them anyway. Then when they paid me a last check, a few weeks later they sent me a certified letter claiming that they overpaid me and that I owed them over $1200. I was only there about 8 or 9 weeks and they approved all of my hours and everything they paid me for, so if they overpaid me then really it's their mistake not mine, why should I have to turn around and pay them back when I don't even have a job at present and they are the ones who approved the payment and deposited the money in my account anyway?  Also, they take a mandatory amount of over $300 per check out for retirement on top of your 401K. They owed me that money that was taken out of my paycheck over the course of my employment, but instead, sent me a bill.  How convenient!  There's something nefarious going on here. If they don't like you, they will do things like this to you and make all kinds of things up on you. So expect unfair treatment and egregious injustices such as that happening to you.  You won't have job security, you could be let go at the drop of a hat if somebody there just doesn't like you and makes false alegations against you.  As mentioned earlier, there were other people that had minor to serious health issues that I felt like were no better at "preforming thier job responsibilities" than I was.  Yeah the benefits and the pay seems really great and even more than fair at first, but once you get in there and see what all you have to put up with and what all you have to do and then you see what all they take out of your check, it's hardly worth it. And then you may get let go like I did and then paid where they just turn around and demand that you pay half of it back. So I wouldn't waste my time with these people because you'll end up stressed out, angry, frustrated, and you'll probably be screwed out of time and money as well.

Great job if you have the emotional and stress capacity to do well with working unscheduled hours, on little to no notice, with a kids that are unpredictable on their best day, and dangerous on their worst days.
Employees with a sense of purpose and work ethic are quickly burned through due to the lack of adequate staffing.
I was excited to utilize my skills to help develop a new program here but I quickly became disheartened after being shamed for simple and honest mistakes, and not receiving credit for ideas that were stolen from me.
They make you feel petty and childish for standing in your beliefs and are more interested in arguing that your perspective is flawed than working towards an actual solution to increase your job satisfaction. At least this is the case with my direct supervisors, our superintendent is empowering, and shows great leadership capacity. 
This is the work that I want to dedicate my life to, and most of the time I leave work feeling unheard, underappreciated, and disrespected. 
There are three reasons why I am still doing this job, one is kids. Some of them (not all lol) are really seeking healing from their trauma and wish to do great things with their lives. I support that.
Two, this job has catapulted my personal growth and has made me push the boundaries of what I ever believed that I was capable of. 
Third, there are some extremely admirable and talented women in management that are compassionate, driven, and live with purpose. I find great solace in the fact that there are women in leadership positions. This industry in particular needs compassion, and nurturing. 
I will finish with the hardest part of this job. 
TTJD is currently moving away from the forced compliance model and into Trust Based Relationship Intervention, with that being said, there are many people who have been in this industry a while, that brag about OC spraying children, berate and belittle the kids, dirty restrain the kids, partake in explicit relationships with the kids. This job has showed me that their are wolves in sheep's clothing all over the place. When reporting these types of people, you better hope that they get fired, if they don't, the retaliation is unbearable for most. You are ostracized at work, it takes months for investigators to get to the bottom of things, you become stressed and paranoid, and you are expected to be a "grown up" and deal with it.
 The only reason that I've made it this far is because I am a person of duty and integrity and this plight is one close to my heart. There have also been a few conversations where I have felt listened to, appreciated, and empowered, and it was one of the best feelings that I've ever had. Hope for a new future and a new system keeps me waking up in the morning. 

Served as a youth supervisor with responsibility for the safety, personal conduct, care, and rehabilitation of the youth.  Assumed responsibility for the custody and care of youth through knowledge of and adherence to laws, rules, regulations, policies and standard operating procedures governing the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.  Searched for contraband and provides security; counts, feeds, and supervises assigned youth in dormitories, classroom areas, and other areas; and performs security of various assigned areas.  Provided custody and security of assigned youth including constantly observing actions of youth for prolonged periods.  Performed "pat" and "strip" searches of youth.  Physically restrained and secured sometimes assaultive youth.  Transferred and transported youth, on foot and in vehicles and other forms of transportation.  Reviewed, and properly applied information found in youth records that is related to the youth’s health and safety and to the security of the facility; provided appropriate information to other staff; complied with policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; and prepared and maintained records, forms, and reports.  Received competency-based introductory training in various methodologies used in the residential and community service treatment programs.  Provided youth supervision and implemented group and individual treatment plans.  Maintained security in buildings, grounds, and other posts; intervened during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control of youth.  Supervised movement of youth inside and outside the facility, and took periodic counts of youth.  Supervised youth in a correctional facility in the performance of work activities and during recreational and religious activities, and conducted inspections for health and safety hazards.  Interacted critically and constructively with other staff members to develop and implement successful treatment techniques.  Developed effective, professional relationships with youth, co-workers, and treatment team members.

When I first started here little to nothing if at all has changed, my first week on shift I remember very clearly having to work the whole week on 12 hour shifts. Low morale continues to exist and persist because not one supervisor is willing to stick there neck out for you even if your wrong. Overtime is plenty and will become so overwhelming you will begin to question if the money is worth the stress. Most of the time you will have no say so when you are told to stay over or when you are on call to clock in early. There on call system consists of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. stars that are issued on a weekly basis on the schedule board but little is done to follow it due to favoritism or due to shortage of staff some are made to stay over or clock in early because of it. The state of Texas also continues to refuse the fact that what they have here at their facilities across the state are spoiled, controlling, criminals who like to have their way REGARDLESS of the facility program or the charges the youth will get when they go apeshet and hurt themselves, others or staff. These motherfckrs called youth just don't care and can care less if they are copping out and nothing is done curb their appetite for destruction. So after you begin to lose morale and they have beaten you to a pulp with all the extra hours and stress you begin to slip up and make mistakes that can and will cost you your job.

There seemed to be a lot of favoritism. It appeared that none of the suggestions of the lower-tier employees were taken seriously. Being an army veteran, while I was on active duty, I found that taking suggestions from the front line soldiers was very helpful, since they worked it everyday.  The facility that I worked at seemed very resistant to change and new ideas and the folks in Austin didn't seem open to suggestion either. I always referred to it as the Ivory Tower of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). It seemed steeped in politics and not in tune with its stated mission, which was to send these youth back to their communities better than they came to the department. It seemed lobbyist and donors made the decisions and the rules by which the TJJD was governed. The entire time I worked there, the facility was understaffed. Awards for time in service and the like were given. However, there was no real recognition for those who were constantly going the extra mile to deliver the kind of care that these troubled youth required. In fact, going that extra mile got some people fired. One thing that seriously needs to change is the youths' having real consequences that deter inappropriate behavior. A 14 - 18 year old tantrum will inevitably become tomorrow's criminal.

Working at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) has been a truly enriching experience. A typical day involves collaborating with dedicated professionals to support critical IT applications that help drive the agency’s mission. Whether troubleshooting technical issues or streamlining processes, every task feels purposeful and impactful.
One of the most valuable aspects of my time here has been the opportunity to grow professionally. I’ve learned not only technical skills but also how to navigate complex systems and communicate effectively across departments. The management team is supportive and approachable, always encouraging growth and innovation while maintaining a clear focus on the agency’s goals.
The workplace culture is one of collaboration, respect, and service. Everyone is committed to making a difference, and that shared purpose creates a strong sense of community. While the job can be challenging—especially when dealing with time-sensitive issues or navigating legacy systems—the support from colleagues and leadership makes even the toughest days manageable.
The most enjoyable part of the job is knowing that the work I do contributes to a greater cause. Supporting an agency that helps rehabilitate and guide youth is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s motivating to be part of something that truly matters.
I’m grateful for the experience and proud to be part of the TJJD team.

On a normal day, you would walk in, get your placement then head to get your camera. Walk to your post and settle in. When I first started, it wasn't so bad. Then after a few years, it progressively got worse. 

The youth were running the facility and we had no choice but to babysit and let them throw their tantrums. All the power had been taken from the "Development Coaches".

When I finally decided to leave it was because the job became very detrimental to my health. I rarely slept anymore because I was always getting called during my sleep to come in early. If I didn't come in early for my scheduled 8-hour shift, they would try to hold me over or would hold me over and make it seem as if they relayed a message to me that I never got. You would feel hostage sometimes.

They would steadily bring in more youth, knowing we didn't have the staff to cover. If you were assaulted, most times the youth got away with it and you were just injured. They did nothing to make you feel safe and that you mattered as an employee. We were disposable but after you dispose of so many good people you are sometimes left with worse or nothing at all.

Even after working a 12-hour shift, the person relieving you was so tired from their previous shift and not being relieved on time that it fell on you to get the collateral damage of the situation. 

Money was good but sometimes I don't think it is worth anyone's health or sanity for that matter.

I enjoyed my time working with the youth at the facility, allowing me to be a mentor to youth for almost 3 years creating lasting relationships with youth in a professional capacity allowing the youth to be themselves and breakdown 
barriers,, but there is no accountability for the youth allegedly in care.  It's a daycare where the kids are coddled, pacified, and completely bargained with to get good behavior which is most of the time not kept.  It can and has been dangerous for staff to work there with constant and continuous threats from the youth with little to no support from upper management.  Zero home/work balance either you are 100% blindly dedicated to the facility or you immediately become expendable until you are no longer needed.  There is NO trust with the new regime that is now in place lying to staff and youth alike.  I would not suggest working at this place unless you completely trust the people you are working for.  Upper management creating hostile work environments and at times undermining as well as micromanaging the staff.  A lot of the negative behavior is due to lies that are told to the youth giving the expectation of one outcome, but ultimately getting the results of a completely different outcome.

Constantly short staffed and are forced to work 12 hours or more every day, without notice. You'll be lucky to get one restroom break for the 13 hours you're working. Absolutely no lunch breaks, you'll be forced to eat on the pod with kids who will try to steal it from you. Staff are condescending and supervisors will not support you. Kids are allowed to assault staff and are barely given any repercussions. Supervisors will contradict you and LITERALLY give the youths candy in front of your face as you are referring the kid to security for assaultive or disrespectful behaviors. Supervisors do not mind patronizing your authority in front of the youths and will not have your back. You are on your own in this place. Staff will argue with each other and try to drag you into drama. It is a VERY negative workplace. I would not recommend this job to anyone with children or anyone who goes to school- you will never get to see your family or study with how much this place works you. You will have no life. DON'T let that salary pay FOOL you. They tax the life out of your paychecks and you will barely see any of that check. THIS JOB IS NOT WORTH THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TORMENT YOU WILL BE PUT THROUGH!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Juvenile correctional officer 100 salaries reported	$4,592 per month
Youth development professional 14 salaries reported	$3,395 per month
High school teacher 4 salaries reported	$6,317 per month
Teacher 12 salaries reported	$6,363 per month
Mental health technician 1 salary reported	$84,000 per year

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