A challenge facing TJJD in recent years has been the high turnover rate among Juvenile Correctional Officers. In FY 2017, turnover for JCOs averaged 43 percent across the agency’s five secure facilities.
Recurrent vacancies among JCOs create challenges in sustaining programming and place a burden on remaining front line staff, who are asked to fill in or work extra hours. JCOs face the brunt of the staffing shortfall because facilities must meet mandated JCO/youth ratios and maintain 24/7 supervision of youth.
High turnover exacts a dollar cost as well. Overtime paid in FY 2017 hit $6 million, higher than previous years. Training costs also were affected. The agency trained 390 JCOs in FY 2017 at an estimated cost of $2.7 million.
In an effort to address these issues, TJJD initiated recruitment and retention bonuses for non-transport JCO positions, which started on Feb. 1, 2018.
These apply to new hires and existing employees, with some limitations. (Current employees must have a satisfactory evaluation and have been free of discipline issues, for example.)
The bonuses being offered are for:
- Existing JCOs who have 12 months or more of service (on Feb. 1, 2018) can receive a bonus of $2,000 after completing an additional 12 months of service.
- Existing JCOs who have less than 12 months of service (on Feb. 1, 2018) can receive a one-time merit bonus of $1,000 at the completion of 12 months of service from their hiring date, and receive a retention bonus of $1,000 for staying another 12 months on the job.
- New hires can be eligible for $2,000 in total bonuses as well – a $1,000 recruitment bonus for signing on, and an additional $1,000 retention bonus earned.
Additionally, the JCO Advanced Placement Program provides for extra compensation for those with military experience, prior juvenile correction experience or advanced degrees.