Counselor at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Former Army paratrooper keeps juvenile offenders in line for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
by Warren Duffie
How did you meet your recruiter? Was it at a high school or college event? Perhaps while browsing the shopping mall? Both compelling events, to be sure.
However, Maria Young’s experience was unique as her introduction to Army life came while working a McDonald’s drive-through. In 1993 the Stockton, Calif., native had recently graduated from high school but didn’t know what to do with her life.
One day an Army recruiter pulled up to her drive-through window. Jokingly, she asked if he was going to try to get her to join the military.
“My brothers were being approached by recruiters all the time,” Young says, “but I was overlooked since I was female and 4-foot-11. But this recruiter asked if he could talk to me. So I took a 10-iminute break and met him in the lobby.”
From McDonald’s to the Military
Young’s joke led to rewarding careers in both the Army and corrections industry. She’s currently a counselor for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation — the state’s largest government agency — and stationed at the N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton. Young’s primary responsibility is helping to provide the facility’s 1,200 residents with information about substance abuse treatment, counseling on leaving the gang life, vocational training, and high school and college educational opportunities.
“I started here six years ago as a corrections officer,” says Young, 33. “I do a lot of the same security duties, but I no longer wear a uniform, so I’m more approachable to the residents.”
This former sergeant works from either 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival at the facility, Young tests her walkie-talkie, is briefed by the counselor she’s relieving, and reviews the previous log book to see if any incidents or disturbances occurred. Aside from offering information about various wellness programs, she helps to transport residents to the recreational yard, conducts room searches, and organizes group classes on topics such as anger management.
“My job is very challenging and rewarding,” Young says. “My military training helps a great deal — discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to look at the bigger picture. Also, the physical fitness aspect is key, as I believe that directly affects your mental alertness.”
One of the Best Jobs in California
It’s been called the “greatest entry-level job” in California, for good reason. Correctional officers in the Golden State can earn more than $73,000 a year, plus a benefits and retirement package that surpasses those offered in private industry. Assigned to 33 adult institutions and eight juvenile facilities statewide, correctional officers do everything from supervising inmates and responding to disturbances to handling a rifle and transporting inmates in and out of a prison.
To be eligible to take the corrections officer exam, you must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have no felony convictions. If accepted, you’ll attend a 16-week academy followed by a two-year apprenticeship program combining on-the-job training with class work. Aside from correctional officers, the CDCR also seeks healthcare professionals, executives and managers, teachers, counselors, and librarians.
Benefits include health, dental, and vision coverage, educational incentives, and enrollment in an attractive retirement pension plan.
The Transition
After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., Young was assigned to Fort Lee, Va., for training as a water purification specialist: “I loved science, especially chemistry, in high school and was fascinated by the various uses of water.”
A few years later, she completed airborne training and was transferred to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. However, by 2001 Young was a mother and tired of being deployed away from her husband and son. Her husband — a former soldier who went into the corrections field — recommended she follow in his career path.
“I really doubted myself since I was female and tiny,” Young says, “but my husband really encouraged me, saying ‘You’re feisty, so you have nothing to worry about.’”
The stars seemed aligned in Young’s favor during a trip home to California, when she saw several large billboards advertising the state’s department of corrections. Upon returning to Colorado, she did exhaustive online research, visited her base transition office, and applied to the department. She was accepted and attended the academy right after she separated from the Army. After graduating, she was sent to the N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility as a corrections officer, and within two years was promoted to counselor.
“I saw a big pay jump when joined up,” Young says. “The benefits are also great, and the advancement potential is unlimited. Veterans can really shine here since there is a lot of structure, you wear a uniform, and you’re part of a smooth-functioning team.”
Young’s Advice
Do your research. “Before you leave the military, think about what career path you want to follow. Ask a lot of questions. There are a lot of resources on the Internet. Use those.”
Don’t underestimate yourself. “The military taught you to adapt and deal with a variety of situations. The same applies to civilian employment. You have a lot to offer, and companies are looking for your leadership skills.”