Correctional Officer II - BRRC/JDC/MEC
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South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice invites applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security for 3 Midlands Region Facilities (JDC, MEC, BRRC/Willow Lane).
Looking for an exciting, rewarding career? Want to make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth? Consider becoming a Correctional Officer and joining the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice’s (SCDJJ) Team!
MISSION
It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED!
New officers will learn effective communication and de-escalation skills to manage behavior. Our training program is facilitated by experienced trainers who teach first aid, report writing, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, investigation, problem solving, and other critical skills used by corrections and law enforcement professionals.
IS THIS THE CAREER RIGHT FOR ME?
Our JCO's come from all kinds of personal, professional, and educational backgrounds. However, successful JCO's do have a few things in common. They are strong communicators with a true desire to help people. They value serving their community and understand the importance of working in a team environment. They are problem-solvers who can make decisions and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT DOES THIS CAREER OFFER ME?
Paid classroom and on-the-job training
Uniforms provided
Opportunities to work overtime
12-hour shifts including overnights, weekends, and holidays
Regularly scheduled opportunities for pay raises
Career advancement potential
Benefits include a competitive retirement plan through SCRS/PORS and a deferred compensation plan; medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; generous PTO program; and an extended sick leave program.
JOB PURPOSE
Under general supervision, the Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) position provides youth with a safe, secure environment that fosters healthy decision-making and is conducive to rehabilitation of at-risk youth. This position is assigned to specific posts to ensure orderly facility operations and the safety and well-being of all youth and staff. This position plays and essential role and the responsibilities directly impacts the youth and the ability of the agency to provide safe and secure rehabilitative opportunities for youth. This position's purpose is to contribute positively to the youth's overall rehabilitative process through positive youth development framework and a positive facility culture.
JOB DUTIES
Engages with youth throughout the day to ensure the safety, security, rehabilitation and well-being of youth. Ensures frequent and helpful communication with youth throughout the day
Performs assigned post responsibilities surrounding youth care
Initiates and maintains youth headcount and completes all required reporting and daily logs
Conducts routine and unannounced security inspections per agency policy. Serves on all facility posts including specialized units and in various locations
Counsels youth to prevent incidents
Redirects youth for inappropriate behavior
Provides constant and consistent enforcement of the behavior management system
Recognizes and responds to both minimal disruptions and emergency situations according to agency policy by deploying both verbal and physical de-escalation strategies
Conveys observations and interactions to education, social work, mental health and medical staff
Serves as a member of the local unit team meetings
Transports youth as needed and supervises youth movement to ensure that all youth are provided required treatment and educational, recreational, vocational, visitation and other activities
Ensures youth receive proper medical attention as needed
Serves as mentor/coach for new JCOs
Submits work order requests to supervisors. Ensures a clean environment
Other duties and tasks as assigned to further the agency's mission
Must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid Driver's License.
Additional Requirements:
Must obtain Class 2 certification compliance through DJJ training within six (6) months of employment by successfully passing all exams and performance assessments
Must maintain certification status by complying with Continued Law Enforcement Education as required
Interpersonal skills, patience and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Ability to build healthy relationships with youth and effectively communicate with them in order to promote respect and trust with them and manage challenging behaviors in a mature and professional way and in accordance with training
Ability to maintain safety and security according to policy and training
Ability to follow a daily schedule, be accountable to the facility processes, document events and activities, and supervise multiple youths effectively
Ability to meet and maintain certification under Continuing Law Enforcement Education requirements, ability to maintain a valid state driver's license, and ability to operate a state vehicle
This position operates under the general supervision of a direct supervisor. The supervisor reviews work on a daily and monthly basis and perform annual performance evaluations
Essential Position; performs work within a secure facility. The position is not sedentary; employees must be mobile and able to bend and lift, interact and intervene with youth
Must be able to respond physically to emergency situations, including physically intervening and/or restraining youth according to agency policy
Required to work shift hours (day, evening, night, weekend, &/or holidays) and be subject to mandatory overtime stay as the facility needs
Training applicable to these duties will be provided
Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position. Salary may vary depending on experience and qualifications. If the candidate for the position provided an unofficial copy, it must be replaced with an official copy on or before the HR processing date.
You will be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include, but not limited to, criminal records, driver's license and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please provide an explanation for any gaps in employment. A resume maybe attached with your application, but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
Health, dental, vision, life insurances and supplemental long-term disability
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
State police retirement plan and deferred compensation programs
6 weeks of paid parental leave or 2 weeks paid parental leave
Payroll deductions for supplemental vendor policies
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)