Public Safety Officer - Certified & Trainee

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Health, dental, and life insurance

15 days annual leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

State retirement plans

WeSave/TicketatWork discounts

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is seeking capable candidates for Trainee or Certified police positions in Columbia, SC. These roles involve patrolling campuses, responding to calls, and enforcing laws to safeguard youth, staff and property.

Qualified applicants may begin as a Trainee or Certified officer, with a $7,500 sign-on bonus and opportunities for professional growth. Candidates must meet state minimums, pass background checks, and be prepared for a demanding

Qualifications

• High school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency.
• Bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to prepare reports.
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities during high stress situations.
• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs. and work varied hours to meet needs.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area to prevent crime and detect violations of law.
• Responds to complaints, reports of violations and requests for law enforcement assistance.
• Performs general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies and directed patrols.
• Testifies in court and prosecutes defendants in magistrate's court.
• Keeps records and reports regarding activities.
• Enforces SC traffic laws.
• Apprehends, arrests violators and escapees.
• Investigates alleged or suspected violations of criminal law.
• Interviews witnesses and suspects.
• Directs traffic, investigates collisions, and controls crowds.
• Escorts unruly visitors off DJJ campuses.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Stress management

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree substitution allowed

Job description

TRAINEE ($53,300)

CERTIFIED ($54,233)

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $7,500 SIGN-ON BONUS*

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 leadership of the Inspector General and Director of Public Safety and applicable supervision, will respond to and resolve calls for service, perform law enforcement duties by patrolling S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice Campuses to ensure the safety and security of persons and property.

Job Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area to prevent crime and detect violations of law.
• Responds to complaints, reports of violations and requests for law enforcement assistance.
• Performs general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in special operations and directed patrols.
• Testifies in court and other legal proceedings; prosecutes defendants in magistrate's court.
• Keeps records and makes reports regarding activities.
• Enforces SC traffic laws.
• Apprehends, arrests violators and escapees.
• Investigates alleged or suspected violations of criminal law.
• Interviews witnesses and suspects.
• Directs traffic, investigates traffic collisions, and controls crowds.
• Assists the Community Service Division by accompanying them on site visits, appointments, etc. of disruptive and violent juveniles.
• Observes, instructs, corrects, investigates and reports persons or incidents involving, but limited to, suspected break-ins, tampering, vandalism, thefts, property damage, safety hazards, smoke, fire obstructions and conditions or violations contrary to the best interest of institution.
• Investigates motor vehicle collisions on DJJ property.
• Investigates all escapes from institutions upon apprehension of juvenile(s).
• Transports juvenile(s) as required for medical appointments, funerals, etc. in and/or out of state per agency policy and operating procedures.
• Prepares written reports of investigation based on his or her actions.
• Escorts unauthorized, unruly visitors, or terminated employee(s) off DJJ Campuses.
• Performs other related job duties deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety and/or the Inspector General that supports the mission and needs of the agency.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to prepare reports.
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities during high stress situations.
• Perform general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in vehicle and employee searches, be on alert for suspicious activities, drugs, theft, contraband, and juvenile abuse.
• Patrol assigned area to prevent crime and detect violations of law.
• Respond to complaints, reports of violations and request for assistance.
• Investigate traffic collisions.
• Escort unruly visitors off campus.
• Perform emergency and routine juvenile transport.
• Provide a safe environment for the juvenile(s), visitor(s) and employee(s) of DJJ.
• On call for emergencies 24 hours per day.

Essential Position

Candidate should possess high moral, character, someone stable and nature and able to withstand a background investigation. Must be able to work with aggressive delinquent juveniles daily in accordance with SCDJJ Policies and Procedures. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs., sits 1-3 hours per day: stand 1-3 hours per day, walk 1-3 hours per day and ability to work varied hours to meet organizational needs. Deal with confidential and sensitive information. Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities during high stress situations and ability occasionally travels overnight.

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 direct 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

• Certified: Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976.
• Trainee: Must attend and complete South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy within one (1) year.
• Must have a valid SC Driver's license.

Additional Comments

• 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
• Sign-On Bonus: Agencies may give sign-on bonuses to individuals recruited to critical needs jobs at the beginning of their employment with the agency. Bonuses cannot be offered or given to employees moving from other agencies by transfer, promotion or demotion. Sign-on bonuses are limited to one per employee, per year.