Correctional Officer II - UEDC

Full Job Description

Join the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice as a Juvenile Correctional Officer!

Are you ready for an exciting, rewarding career where you can make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth? Join the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) and help transform young lives while building a stronger, safer community.

NEW STARTING SALARY: $47,682

We are hiring Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs) to maintain safety and security at the Upstate Evaluation and Development Center, which provides court-ordered evaluations for adjudicated juveniles before final case disposition, as well as houses short-term commitments (180 days or less).

Our Mission

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) 's mission is to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Open to ALL experience levels.

Our comprehensive training program equips new officers with skills in communication, de-escalation, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, first aid, report writing, and more. You'll learn from experienced trainers who prepare you for a meaningful career in corrections and law enforcement.

Is this career right for me?

Our JCOs come from diverse backgrounds with vast experience levels but share a passion for service, strong communication skills, and a desire to positively impact youth.

Successful candidates thrive in team environments, value their community, and demonstrate sound judgment in fast-paced situations.

Bonus Incentives

Our way of rewarding YOU for your commitment!

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of your facility’s leadership, the Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) ensures a safe, secure, and supportive environment for at-risk youth.

This role is essential to maintaining orderly facility operations, safeguarding the well-being of youth and staff, and fostering positive decision-making.

By contributing to a rehabilitative culture grounded in positive youth development, the JCO plays a vital role in the agency’s mission to provide safe and effective opportunities for youth rehabilitation and personal growth.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Diligently ensures compliance with Juvenile Correctional Officer continuous certification requirements.
• Interact with youth throughout the day to ensure their safety, security, rehabilitation, and overall well-being. Maintain frequent, meaningful communication to support their progress.
• Perform assigned duties to provide care, meet basic needs, and ensure the security of all youth under supervision.
• Conduct headcounts regularly, maintain accurate logs, and complete all required reports to document daily activities and incidents.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, following agency protocols and procedures.
• Perform routine and unannounced security checks and frisk searches as required by policy.
• Serve on various facility posts, including specialized units, to ensure comprehensive coverage and operational efficiency.
• Counsel youth to prevent incidents and redirect inappropriate behavior. Enforce the behavior management system consistently and effectively.
• Address disruptions and emergencies using verbal and physical de-escalation techniques per agency policy.
• Communicate observations and interactions with educational, social work, mental health, and medical staff. Actively participate in unit team meetings to support youth rehabilitation plans.
• Supervise youth during transportation and movement to ensure participation in required treatment, education, recreation, vocational training, visitation, and other activities.
• Ensure youth receive proper medical care as needed, adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Submit work order requests to supervisors and maintain a clean, safe environment for youth and staff.
• Comply with agency policies to complete detailed reports on incidents, safety concerns, and operational matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors to further the agency’s mission and uphold its core values.

Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or equivalent. The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 21 years old. The candidate must also have a valid driver's license and attend, pass, and maintain all required SCDJJ training courses and certification requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Ability to understand and apply state laws, institutional rules, regulations, and requirements related to youth control, including Child Abuse Statutes.
• Ability to grasp the purpose, methods, and practices of secure facilities to ensure safety and security.
• Ability to learn and implement various techniques for instructing, handling, and supervising youth across a variety of activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, professionalism, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative in a wide range of situations.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with youth, effectively communicating with them to foster respect and trust while managing challenging behaviors in a professional and mature manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with coworkers, families, and the general public.
• Ability to ensure safety and security by following policies, procedures, and training.
• Ability to adhere to daily schedules, manage facility processes, document events and activities accurately, and supervise multiple youth effectively.
• Ability to maintain a valid state driver’s license and operate a state vehicle safely.

SPECIAL & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certification and Training:
  • Must obtain certification in Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) within 90 days of employment.
  • Must achieve a minimum competency/proficiency exam score of 80% and demonstrate supervisory and teaching skills.

  Training will include Behavioral Management techniques such as Primary Restraint and Take Down procedures, on the job functions but not limited to handcuffing (hands extended behind back), prone positions (flat on stomach and back), Kicks and Strike Motions, Joint Manipulations, bending at the waist and torque motions.

  Lifting hands above the head, repeated breathing (inhaling/exhaling) techniques for CPR/First Aid/AED. Kneel on knees (together and individually) unsupported.

  • Physical Demands:
    • This position requires mobility and physical capability, including bending, lifting, kneeling (individually or together), and engaging in torque motions.
    • Must respond to emergencies, including physically intervening and restraining youth in accordance with agency policy.
    • Must walk and stand for extended periods, sit in a desk chair for up to eight hours, and visually distinguish subjects up to 75 yards away.
    • Work may occur in extreme heat, cold, humidity, or inclement weather.
  • Work Schedule:
    • Required to workday, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
    • Must be available for mandatory overtime as needed to meet facility demands.
  • Environmental and Equipment Requirements:
    • Must maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license and operate a motor vehicle safely.
    • Wear protective equipment during emergencies or as required by agency policy.
  • Job Duties Context:
    • Performs tasks related to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
    • Direct and indirect contact with youth is expected.
    • Training relevant to all job duties will be provided.
  • Supervision and Evaluation:
    • Operates under the general supervision of a direct supervisor who provides daily and monthly reviews and conducts annual performance evaluations.
    • Works independently on a limited basis while adhering to agency policies and guidelines.

  Qualifications

  PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

  
  
  • Experience supervising, mentoring, or interacting with at-risk youth.

  Additional Information

  The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Health, dental, and life insurance
  • 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
  • 15 days of sick leave per year
  • 13 paid holidays
  • State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
  • Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

  Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. Applications are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the stated closing 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 is 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 may be attached to your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.