What are the responsibilities and job description for the Correctional Officer II (BRRC/JDC/MEC) position at State of South Carolina?
South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice invites applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security for 3 Midlands Region Facilities (JDC, MEC, BRRC).
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) 's mission is 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 JCOs come from various personal, professional, and educational backgrounds. However, successful JCOs do have a few things in common. They are strong communicators with a genuine 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.
JOB PURPOSE:
Under the general supervision of the Captain, the Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) position provides youth with a safe, secure environment that fosters healthy decision-making and is conducive to rehabilitating 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 an essential role, and the responsibilities directly impact the youth and the agency's ability to provide safe and secure rehabilitative opportunities for youth. This position aims to contribute positively to the youth's overall rehabilitative process through a positive youth development framework and facility culture.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Engages with youth throughout the day to ensure their safety, security, rehabilitation, and well-being.
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.
Physically respond appropriately to emergencies.
Conducts routine and unannounced security inspections per agency policy.
Conducts routine and unannounced frisk searches of the youth after all youth movements.
Ensures that each youth's basic needs are met. Remains knowledgeable and informed of the security status of all youth assigned.
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.
Responds to minimal disruptions and emergencies according to agency policy by deploying verbal and physical de-escalation strategies.
Conveys observations and interactions with education, social work, mental health, and medical staff. Serves as a member of the local unit team meetings.
Special Requirements:
The officer must be compliant with and certified under CLEE (Continuing Law Enforcement Education) within six (6) months of employment. The officer must also have an 80% competency/ proficiency exam score and possess supervisory and teaching skills.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Ability to learn state laws/institutional rules/regulations/requirements for controlling youth/Child Abuse Statutes.
Ability to learn the purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.
Ability to learn various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in multiple activities.
Interpersonal skills, patience, and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment/initiative in a variety of situations.
Ability to build healthy relationships with youth and effectively communicate with them to promote respect and trust and manage challenging behaviors maturely, professionally, and by training.
Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory working relationships with fellow employees/families/general public.
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 maintain a valid state driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle.
Additional Requirements:
Must be able to respond physically to emergencies, including physically intervening and 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. It will consist of physically and completing the agency's selected Behavioral Management training, which includes the Primary Restraint and Take Down techniques and 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.
Must be able to work in extreme heat, cold, humidity, or inclement weather; safely operate a motor vehicle, including having a valid state-issued driver's license.
Walk and stand for extended periods, sit in a desk chair for up to eight hours per day at least 5-7 days per week, visually distinguish subjects at distances of up to 75 yards, and wear protective equipment in case of emergencies.
Must attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE).
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. Candidates must present documentation of their attainment of a college degree(s) during the interview.
Documentation must be an official or unofficial copy of the college transcript or a Letter of Verification of Degree from the institution's Registrar's Office. If the candidate selected for the position provided an unofficial copy, it must be replaced with an official copy on or before the HR processing date.Agency Preferred: Experience supervising, mentoring, and interacting with at-risk youth
Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, including your 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.
If selected for a position requiring a degree, you will be asked to provide a certified transcript. Before an offer of employment is made, a background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please explain any gaps in employment. A resume may be attached to 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:
- 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
Salary : $31,561 - $58,393
