By Steve Stone, Office of Peace Officer Selection
The Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS) will begin accepting applications for the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Youth Correctional Officer (YCO) and Youth Correctional Counselor (YCC) classifications from Aug. 29 through Sept. 18. DJJ is seeking applicants to join a dedicated community of professionals who provide security and rehabilitation to youth in its care.
DJJ is transferring to the California Health and Human Services Agency, beginning July 1, 2020, and will be known as the Department of Youth and Community Restoration (YCR). Candidates currently attending academy, or who attend the February 2020 academy will transfer to YCR under its new agency.
Candidates who are in the YCO or YCC selection process at the time of the transfer will finish the selection process with OPOS but be appointed by YCR. Candidates who applied for CO in addition to YCO or YCC will have the option to accept an offer to CDCR or YCR.
Mike Sicilia, Deputy Press Secretary for DJJ/YCR pointed out that “all officers and counselors will remain in BU6 as peace officers after the transition to YCR. Candidates for the Youth classifications will receive extensive training in security practices and the latest developmentally appropriate treatment and counseling interventions for helping youth return safely to the community. ”
DJJ/YCR is projected to continue running two Basic Correctional Juvenile Academies (BCJA) per year to keep pace with attrition. The BCJA is a 16-week academy currently conducted at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt.
On-campus housing is available for candidates from outside the local area. Future plans are to transfer the BCJA to YCR’s Stockton training center on Arch Road.
Minimum qualifications for YCO include age 21 at the time of appointment (age 20 to apply); U.S. citizenship; history of law abiding behavior; not legally prohibited from carrying a firearm; and, graduation from high school or equivalent. Minimum qualifications for YCC include additional education, experience, or a combination thereof, in addition to the minimum qualifications for YCO.
To find out more visit www.joincdcr.com (link opens new tab). On this page you’ll find links describing the selection process, including detailed information on the written exam and an exam sample; a description of the physical fitness test including a video; extensive information about the background information; and, requirements for the medical and psychological evaluations. Additional information is available for out-of-state candidates and how to obtain Veteran’s Preference on the written exam.
Applications will be accepted online only at www.joincdcr.com (link opens new tab).
A link for the YCO/YCC application will be posted at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. The posting will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18.