Juvenile Correctional Officer: Safeguard & Transform Youth

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Employee Assistance Program

Health, dental, and life insurance

15 days annual leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

State retirement plans

Discount programs

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a dedicated Juvenile Correctional Officer to ensure a safe, secure environment for at-risk youth. You will support rehabilitation, supervise daily activities, and coordinate with education, health, and social services.

New starting salary is $48,635; candidates must meet citizenship, age, and licensing requirements and complete extensive in‑house training to uphold the agency’s mission of transforming youth lives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and complete required training.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with certification requirements for JCOs.
• Interact with youth to ensure safety, security, rehabilitation, and well‑being.
• Perform duties to provide care, meet basic needs, and ensure security.
• Conduct headcounts, maintain logs, and complete required reports.
• Respond promptly to emergencies following agency procedures.
• Conduct routine security checks and frisk searches as required.
• Serve on facility posts to ensure coverage and efficiency.
• Counsel youth to prevent incidents and enforce behavior management.
• Address disruptions using de-escalation techniques per policy.
• Communicate with education, social work, mental health, and medical staff.
• Supervise youth during transportation and required activities.
• Ensure youth receive proper medical care as needed.
• Submit work orders and maintain a safe environment.
• Complete detailed incident and safety reports as required.

Skills

Communication

De-escalation

Crisis intervention

Defensive tactics

First aid

Report writing

Youth rehabilitation

Supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a dedicated Juvenile Correctional Officer to ensure a safe, secure environment for at-risk youth. You will support rehabilitation, supervise daily activities, and coordinate with education, health, and social services.

New starting salary is $48,635; candidates must meet citizenship, age, and licensing requirements and complete extensive in‑house training to uphold the agency’s mission of transforming youth lives.