Security Response Officer

Full Job Description

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

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.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Security Response Team (SRT) Officer under the direct supervision of the Department of Public Safety or other supervisors. The Security Response Team member is to contain and control the immediate crisis area and regains control of the incident by non-lethal force. The Security Response Team Correctional Officer will play a vital role in all announced and requested contraband interdiction efforts. These efforts will include, but not limited to, random/routine searches and shakedowns, searches and frisk of youth and visitors and the gathering of intelligence information as it relates to contraband control on institution grounds. The Security Response Team Correctional Officer will be the primary layer of support to the frontline Juvenile Correctional Officer when transporting and providing supervision to potentially volatile/aggressive youth.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Physically respond appropriately to emergency situations to isolate, control, and quell disturbances/incidents that are beyond the control of an institutional response.

Works to assist directly with any crisis intervention disputes amongst the youth.

Assist in controlling disruptive behavior. Refer acute problems to appropriate staff.

Play a proactive role in all agency institutional contraband interdiction efforts.

Conduct routine and/or pre-scheduled searches and shakedowns of youth and visitors within the confines of correctional institution living areas or grounds.

These efforts will include, but are not limited to, routine institutional searches, shakedowns, conducts routine and unannounced strip (for cause), frisk searches of youth, and maintaining presence and support at institutional entry gates.

Provides security assistance for normal activities and special programs.

Assists in the movement, transportation, and supervision of potentially volatile/aggressive youth.

Prepare written reports regarding actions taken.

Provide written and/or oral communication concerning institutional matters for briefing/advising other officers, supervisors other agency officials.

Draft, write and/or dictate clear, concise, and comprehensive reports of contraband findings and prepare shift reports for dissemination.

Be available for recall in emergency and non-emergency situations that require additional support personnel.

Ability to be flexible with schedule to work various time frames. Remain thoroughly familiar with all policies governing contraband control, searches, property, visitation, etc.

Attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) and Agency policy.

Performs other duties deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety and/or the Inspector General that supports the mission and needs of the agency.

Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to meet and maintain certification by the Continuing Law Enforce Education (CLEE).

Ability to learn state laws/institutional rules/regulations/requirements for the control of youth/Child Abuse Statutes.

Knowledge of purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.

Ability to learn of various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in various activities.

Ability to exercise good judgment/initiative in a variety of situations.

Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory working relationships with youth/fellow employees/families/general public.

Must perform restraints on youth without restrictions.

Willing to work any shift and stay over if necessary.

Work in locked quarters, be able to bend over, lift 50+ lbs., must be mobile, no sedentary duties, must be able to work around youth without restrictions.

This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

Must possess the ability to pass a semi-annual physical fitness test.

Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and relevant supervisory experience. A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for the required supervisory experience.

Must be 21 years of age.

High school diploma or equivalent and 18 months of experience in correctional, security, military, or police work required.

Must attend, pass and maintain all required DJJ training courses.

Must pass a drug test. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related.

Must be an officer in compliance with and certified under CLEE (Continuing Law Enforcement Education) within six (6) months of employment. Must have an 80% rate on competency/proficiency exam and possess supervisor and teaching skills.

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 pre-employment drug screening will be required. Medical examinations may also be required depending on the position. Lastly, 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.