Access Control Sergeant - MEDC

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) seeks an Access Control Sergeant to oversee facility entry points, supervise staff, and safeguard youth and staff. You will ensure compliance with security procedures and coordinate responses to incidents, promoting a safe, orderly environment.

Ideal candidates bring high school completion, CLEE certification within six months, and strong leadership with a focus on youth development and accountability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; CLEE certification within 6 months of employment.
• 80% competency/proficiency on the required exam; supervisor and teaching skills expected.
• Knowledge of state laws for youth/child abuse statutes and secure facilities.

Responsibilities

• Directs all gate operations to ensure authorized facility access.
• Supervises staff, enforces security procedures, and maintains accountability.
• Monitors access points, security systems, and perimeter activities for threats.
• Coordinates responses to prevent escapes and contraband introduction.
• Screens and searches visitors, contractors, and vehicles per policy.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Non-verbal communication

Judgment and initiative

Youth engagement

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related

Job description

Job Responsibilities

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

Under the supervision of the Administrative Captain, the Access Control Sergeant oversees facility access operations to ensure safety, security, and compliance with established procedures. This role includes supervising staff, managing entry and exit processes, and maintaining accountability for all individuals on-site. The position also supports the facility’s rehabilitative mission by promoting a safe, structured environment that encourages positive youth development, accountability, and professional conduct.

Job Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees all pedestrian and vehicle gate operations to ensure authorized access to the facility.
• Supervises assigned staff, ensures compliance with security procedures, and maintains accountability for all persons and vehicles entering and exiting the facility.
• Monitors and evaluates facility access points, security systems, and perimeter activities to identify potential security threats.
• Implements immediate corrective actions and coordinates responses to prevent escapes, contraband introduction, unauthorized access, and other security breaches.
• Ensures all visitors, contractors, volunteers, staff, vehicles, deliveries, and property entering the facility are properly screened and searched in accordance with agency policy and security procedures.
• Ensures all access control logs, visitor records, vehicle inspections, key inventories, gate activity reports, and related documentation are completed accurately.
• Monitors access control equipment and ensures operational readiness of all gate security systems.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for access control communications.
• Monitors radio traffic, security alarms, and surveillance systems; coordinates emergency notifications; and communicates critical information to facility leadership and response personnel.
• Perform other job-related duties and tasks as assigned by the supervisor to further support the agency’s mission and values.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma.

Special Requirement

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 Requirements

• Knowledge of state laws/institutional rules/regulations/requirements for the control of youth/Child Abuse Statutes.
• Knowledge of purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.
• Knowledge 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 a valid state driver's license, and ability to operate a state vehicle.
• Ability to follow a daily schedule, be accountable to the facility processes, document events and activities, and supervise multiple youths effectively.
• Performs work within a secured facility relating to the custody, control and transportation or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Position is not sedentary; employees must be mobile and able to bend and lift, interact, and promptly respond when applicable.
• Must be able to respond physically to emergency situations.
• Required to work shift hours (day, evening, night, weekend, and/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 successfully completing the agency’s selected Gatehouse, Control Room, Facility Entry Points and Staff Transportation training. Lifting hands above the head, repeated breathing (inhaling/exhaling) techniques for CPR/First Aid/AED. Kneel on knees (together and individually) unsupported.
• 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.
• Attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE).
• This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related accompanied with experience supervising, mentoring and interacting with at-risk youth.
• Must be 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or equivalent. Must also have 18 months of experience in correctional, security, military, or police work. Must attend, pass and maintain all required DJJ training courses.

Additional Comments

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.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity employer. DJJ does not discriminate in hiring, promotions, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, or other employment aspects based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. Any acts you feel are in violation, please get in touch with the Office of Human Resources, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC [phone].

I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice's School District also does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The following offices have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the school district's nondiscrimination policies: Title IX - Inspector General's Office - 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210-5427 - Ph: 803-896-9595; Special Education Office, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC I have read and fully understand DJJ's position concerning the law.

I understand that SCDJJ will not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with residents and shall not enlist the services of any contractor who may have contact with residents who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997); has been convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.

I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment.

I certify that I have not been convicted of any criminal offenses that carries a sentence of 1 year or more or any criminal offenses that involves moral turpitude (an act contrary to the accepted rule of right and duty to man and society). Forfeiture of bond, a guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere is considered the equivalent of a conviction.