Sergeant - Inst Recruitment (#016663) Kershaw Correctional Inst, Kershaw (LANCASTER) Level 2

South Carolina DDSN; South Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina DDSN is seeking a recruiting sergeant to lead correctional officer recruitment, guiding applicants from the initial contact through onboarding and training.

The role screens candidates, conducts interviews, coordinates required testing and documentation, and ensures a smooth transition to training and full-time employment. It supports staffing goals by maintaining an efficient hiring pipeline and ensuring standards are met.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements: high school diploma and 18 months experience in correctional, security, military, or police work.
• SCDC Training Academy certification and completion of the basic supervisory course within six months of entry.

Responsibilities

• Identify & screen candidates, conduct interviews, coordinate testing and documentation.
• Guide applicants from initial contact through onboarding and training.
• Maintain hiring records and report recruitment trends to leadership.
• Coordinate with HR, training staff, and leadership to support staffing needs.
• Ensure new hires complete eight weeks of SCDC Basic Training upon hire.

Skills

Interviewing

Candidate screening

Communication

HR coordination

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree substitute for experience

Criminal Justice degree substitute for part of experience

Job description

The recruiting sergeant serves as the institution's primary lead for correctional officer recruitment, guiding applicants from initial contact through onboarding.

This role identifies & screens candidates, conducts interviews, coordinates required testing and documentation, and ensures new hires transition smoothly into training and full-time employment.

The position supports institutional staffing goals by maintaining an efficient hiring pipeline and ensuring all candidates meet agency standards and security requirements.

Key responsibilities - quickly engage applicants and provide clear information about the role and hiring process. -screen applications for minimum qualifications and assist candidates through full application steps.

Conduct interviews, assess candidate suitability, and coordinate Interviews with the warden.

Manage all pre-employment requirements, Including testing, background checks, and medical screenings.

Oversee new-hire orientation, equipment issuance, and initial job shadowing.

Track applicant progress, maintain hiring records, and report recruitment trends to leadership.

Coordinate with HR, training staff, and leadership to support institutional staffing needs.

Must successfully complete eight (8) weeks of SCDC Basic Training upon hire.

State of South Carolina Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma and relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

SCDC Minimum Requirements

• A high school diploma and eighteen (18) months experience in correctional, security, military, or police work.
• A degree in criminal justice or a related degree may substitute for 1/2 of required experience.
• Must be certified by the SCDC Training Academy and successfully complete the basic supervisory course within six (6) months of entry into the position.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.