Youth Engagement Coordinator - JDC

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Columbia (SC)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 60,000

Full time

10 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & life insurance

Paid vacation 15 days/year

Sick leave 15 days/year

13 paid holidays

State retirement plans

Employee discount programs

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a Youth Engagement Coordinator to plan, implement, and document structured recreation and wellness programming within DJJ facilities. The role focuses on creating a safe, predictable environment to promote pro-social behavior and positive youth development.

Responsibilities include developing monthly calendars, coordinating incentive-based activities, and ensuring programming aligns with the master schedule while maintaining strong

Qualifications

A high school diploma and relevant program experience.
Bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation or related field; experience working with at-risk youth; must complete DJJ training courses.

Responsibilities

Executes all programming in alignment with the master schedule to maintain structure and engagement for youth.
Supervises and guides youth during programming with clear expectations and safe, controlled environments.
Designs trauma‑informed recreation and wellness activities to support physical health, emotional regulation, and skill development.
Develops monthly calendars, flyers, and incentive systems to promote engagement and visibility of programming across units.
Maintains safety and accountability of all materials and spaces, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with facility expectations.
Performs additional duties as directed by the supervisor to support division priorities and special projects.

Skills

Wellness programming

Trauma-informed care

Youth development

Behavior management

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's in PE/Recreation

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 Purpose

The Youth Engagement Coordinator plans, implements, and documents structured recreation, wellness, and engagement programming that supports positive youth development within SCDJJ secure facilities. This role is responsible for creating a safe, structured, and predictable environment where youth are actively engaged in meaningful, trauma-informed activities that reduce idle time and promote pro‑social behavior. The Youth Engagement Coordinator leads the development of monthly programming calendars, incentive‑based activities, and recreational offerings that align with the master schedule and agency expectations. Through consistent structure, engagement, and accountability, this position plays a critical role in improving facility culture, increasing youth participation, and supporting emotional well‑being and rehabilitation outcomes.

Job Responsibilities

Executes all assigned programming in strict alignment with the master schedule, ensuring activities are initiated and completed on time while maintaining continuous structure, movement, and engagement for youth with no unplanned idle time.
Maintains constant active supervision and facilitates direct youth engagement during all programming by setting clear expectations, reinforcing structure, and immediately redirecting behaviors to ensure a safe, controlled, and consistent environment.
Designs and facilitates structured, trauma‑informed recreation and wellness programming that supports physical health, emotional regulation, and skill development while ensuring activities are intentional, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
Develops and manages monthly programming calendars, activity flyers, and incentive systems to promote youth engagement, reinforce positive behavior, and ensure clear visibility of programming across units.
Maintains full operational control, safety, and accountability of all programming materials, activity spaces, and documentation while ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with all facility expectations.
Performs additional duties as directed by the supervisor to support division priorities, emergency needs, special projects, or evolving operational requirements.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A high school diploma and relevant program experience.

Additional Requirements

Knowledge of wellness programming (physical, emotional, behavioral health).
Understanding of trauma‑informed care and youth development principles.
Ability to facilitate structured activities and group sessions.
Knowledge of behavior management and de‑escalation strategies.
Ability to engage and motivate youth in a structured environment.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to follow and implement the master schedule with fidelity.
Strong organization and time management skills.

Performs work within a secure facility relating to the custody, control and transportation or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with juveniles 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 intervene with youth when applicable. Must be able to respond physically to emergency situations including physically intervening and/or restraining youth according to agency policy. Training applicable to these duties will be provided and will consist of physically and successfully completing the agency's selected Behavioral Management training which includes the Primary Restraint and Take Down techniques and on-the-job functions but not limited to: Handcuffing (hands extended behind back), prone positions (flat on stomach and/or back), Kicks and Strike Motions, Joint Manipulations, bending at the waist and torque motions. 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.

Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle to include having a valid state issued driver’s license.

Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.

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).

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation or a related ?eld and relevant program experience. Experience working with at-risk youth in structured settings. Must attend, pass, and maintain all required DJJ training courses.

Special Requirement

Must be an officer in compliance with and certified under CLEE (Continuing Law Enforcement Education) within six (6) months of employment.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: