NCJ Number
208530
Date Published
May 2002
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report describes the methodology and findings of a statewide job analysis of the Juvenile Corrections Officer (JCO) position in California.
Abstract
In order to facilitate the recruitment and hiring of qualified candidates, the California Board of Corrections sponsored the current job analysis in order to identify the important job duties and characteristics required for the successful performance of the occupation of Juvenile Corrections Officer (JCO). The job analysis was designed to provide a basis for the development of a preemployment examination that will be offered to local corrections agencies for use in the selection of candidates for the entry-level JCO position. Specifically, the analysis examined the “knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics” (KSAO's) necessary for the performance of JCO responsibilities statewide and across all types of law enforcement agencies. A stratified random sample of 25 agencies provided information about their existing JCO job descriptions and previously-used job analysis instruments and psychological instruments. Additionally, the agencies completed a comprehensive questionnaire concerning details about the JCO job and researchers conducted site visits to observe job duties. A focus panel of 12 subject matter experts was convened to review and revise draft lists of job duties and KSAO's. After a follow-up review and pilot administration of the draft job analysis questionnaires (JAQ's), 17 agencies were chosen to participate in the JAQ administration. A total of 16 agencies completed 564 JAQ's, providing information about JCO job duties and KSAO's. The results indicate that the tasks in the questionnaire are descriptive of the JCO job and that all the 36 KSAO's included in the questionnaire are important for the successful performance of the job. The next phase of the project involves the development of the examination for preemployment screening of JCO candidates. Tables, figures, references