Operational Support Sergeant - MEDC

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) seeks an Operational Support Sergeant to coordinate essential security functions and key/control programs, ensuring a safe environment for youth, staff, and visitors. You will conduct inspections, drills, and contraband interdiction while supporting emergency preparedness and agency operations.

The role ensures accountability, develops safe movement protocols for youth, and provides versatile support during staffing shortages and special

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; CLEE certification within 6 months of employment.
• Knowledge of state laws, rules, and youth protection statutes relevant to secure facilities.
• Ability to supervise and communicate with youth in a respectful, professional manner.
• Must maintain a valid state driver's license and operate state vehicle.
• Background in security or corrections preferred for progression.

Responsibilities

• Oversees facility key control and tool control programs for accountability and security.
• Maintains inventories, conducts audits, investigates discrepancies, and implements corrective actions.
• Plans and conducts inspections, shake-downs, searches, and contraband interdiction activities.
• Develops and evaluates emergency drills and preparedness activities (fire, medical, disturbances).
• Ensures staff preparedness to respond effectively during emergencies.
• Plans and facilitates safe movement of youth within and outside the facility.
• Provides supplemental support to operations during staffing shortages and special operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the agency's mission.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Non-verbal communication

Good judgment

Relationship building

Patience

Team supervision

Ability to manage youth behavior

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice (preferred)

Job description

Job Responsibilities

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 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 Operational Support Sergeant coordinates key security functions to ensure safe, secure, and efficient facility operations. This role includes overseeing key and tool control, conducting inspections and searches, supporting emergency preparedness, and assisting with movement and special operations. The position also supports the agency’s rehabilitative mission by maintaining a structured, safe environment that promotes accountability, professionalism, and positive youth development.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversees facility key control and tool control programs to ensure accountability, security, and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains inventories, conducts audits, investigates discrepancies, and implements corrective actions when necessary.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts facility inspections, shake-downs, searches, and contraband interdiction activities to identify security vulnerabilities and maintains a safe and secure environment for youth, staff, and visitors.
• Develops, facilitates, and evaluates emergency drills and preparedness activities, including fire drills, escape drills, disturbance response exercises, medical emergencies, and other contingency operations.
• Ensures staff are prepared to respond effectively during emergencies.
• Plans, supervises, and facilitates the safe and secure movement of youth within and outside the facility.
• Provides supplemental support to facility operations by assisting with staffing shortages, special security operations, investigations, critical incidents, facility projects, and other assignments.
• Performs 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.

Additional 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 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.
• 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

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

• 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 accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the stated closing date.

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.