Job Description

Job Responsibilities

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice invites applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security for the Coastal Evaluation Center (CEC). 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.

THE COASTAL EVALUATION CENTER IS THE AGENCY\'S LONG-TERM COMMITMENT FACILITY FOR FEMALE YOUTH.

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.

JOB PURPOSE

Under 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 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. Physically respond appropriately to emergency situations. Conducts routine and unannounced security inspections per agency policy. Conducts routine and unannounced frisk searches of the youth after all youth movement. Ensures that each youth has their basic needs 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. 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 with 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 and required by agency policy and procedures.

Submits work order requests to supervisors. Ensures a clean environment.

Complies with agency policy and procedure to complete required reports concerning youth and/or employee related incidents and any matters pertaining to the safety, security, and operation of the facility.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by a supervisor to further support the agency\'s mission and values.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Agency Requirements:

A high school diploma and experience in correctional, security or police work. Agency: Must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid Driver\'s License. Must attend, pass and maintain all required DJJ training courses. Special Requirements:
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.

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

Ability to learn the purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.

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

Interpersonal skills, patience and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

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

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 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:

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. Works independently on a limited basis.

Position is not sedentary; employees must be mobile and able to bend and lift, interact, and intervene with youth when applicable.

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 needed by the facility.

Training applicable to these duties will be provided and will consist of physically and successfully 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/or 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/inclement weather; safely operate a motor vehicle to include having a valid state issued driver\'s license. Walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, 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, wear protective equipment in case of emergencies.

Must attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE).

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Comments

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 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)

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