Salary: $44,900 $60,084 $75,269*
*Salary based on experience
Grade: DJ18A
Closing Date: 12/01/2025
The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) is seeking internal ADJC employees/applicants who are passionate about their profession and who will be committed to making a difference in the lives of Arizona’s underserved youth. The Youth Program Officer 2 (Recreation) will work under the direction of the Youth Program Supervisor at our Adobe Mountain School. This position is accountable for maintaining safety and security for all youth and staff. Additionally, this position is responsible for managing and leading recreational programs and activities to include athletics and physical fitness.
Supervises, teaches and officiates flag football, basketball, aquatics, weight training, softball, volleyball, etc.
Plans, implements and officiates special events
Develops, monitors and evaluates recreational programs
Utilizes verbal and no-verbal physical intervention strategies
Supervises youth who use the aquatic area
Develop, monitor and evaluate recreation activities
Instruct “new” recreation staff on the various sports programs
Ensures all recreation equipment and facilities are maintained in a clean, safe and orderly condition and orders all recreation equipment
Ensures unit staff are in proper position during all recreation classes and activities
Attends required agency training
Performing other duties as assigned
Knowledge of:
Rules and regulations, policies and procedures, programs and activities established by the agency
State juvenile justice system
Developmental needs
Dynamics of human behavior and crisis intervention
Group social activities
Facilities and equipment used in a broad recreation program
Skills in:
Assessing needs of youth
Providing constructive social adjustment programs
Techniques and methods of rehabilitation
Recreational programs/activities
Interpersonal relationships
Verbal and written communication
Ability to:
Interpret and apply Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, and Agency’s policies and procedures governing the security, care and treatment of youth
Effectively communicates with youth and coworkers
Analyze situations and take effective actions
Motivate and maintain youth interests in recreational programs and activities
Teach/demonstrate proper techniques for athletic and sports activities
Use the appropriate agency restraint techniques
Work in extreme heat
Adhere to a daily schedule and follow expected guidelines
Act quickly and calmly to emergency situations
Recognize non-verbal communication
Be a “self-starter” and work independently to ensure recreation tasks are accomplished consistently
Continuously strive to make improvements to work performance
One year of experience as a Youth Corrections Officer; or two years of experience working with juveniles in a human/social services field; with a Letter of Recommendation signed by the direct supervisor and up-line manager.
REQUIRED: Lifeguard and Certified Pool Operator Certification or the ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function on the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license records checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.010).
Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a comprehensive background investigation.
Current State of Arizona employees: In order to be considered for this position, it requires acceptable performance history as demonstrated by not have been issued a letter of suspension or have been involuntarily demoted within one year preceding this job posting close date, and have an overall rating of “meets expectations” or higher on the most recent employee performance evaluation.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.42 hours bi-weekly
Deferred Compensation Program
Wellness Plans
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Youth Program Officer 2 positions participate in the Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP).
CORP Tier 3 is a Defined Contribution, 401 (a) retirement plan:
New members have the opportunity to define their contribution amount
Employer contributes a dollar-for-dollar match equal to 5% of a member's salary
Employees are fully vested after 3 years of service
Attention Current State of Arizona Employees: Please contact our Human Resources Office if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 354-1023. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Having trouble applying for a position?
Email: employment@azdjc.gov or call (602)364-1023 for assistance