Youth Engagement & Wellness Coordinator

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Health, dental, and life insurance

15 days annual leave

Sick leave; 13 paid holidays

Job summary

Youth Engagement Coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) develops and delivers structured recreation and wellness programs within secure facilities to support positive youth development and reduce idle time.

The role applies trauma-informed approaches, builds monthly calendars, incentives, and allies with staff to promote safety, accountability, and rehabilitation outcomes.

Qualifications

• 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
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs and be mobile in a secure facility
• Training and certification requirements including CLEE requirements

Responsibilities

• Executes all assigned programming in alignment with the master schedule with structure and engagement for youth
• Maintains constant active supervision and facilitates direct youth engagement during all programming
• Designs and facilitates structured, trauma-informed recreation and wellness programming
• Develops and manages monthly programming calendars, activity flyers, and incentive systems
• Maintains operational control, safety, and accountability of materials and spaces
• Performs additional duties as directed by supervisor to support DJJ priorities
• Ensures compliance with facility expectations and safety protocols

Skills

Wellness programming

Trauma-informed care

Group sessions facilitation

Behavior management

Youth engagement motivation

Communication

Teamwork

Master schedule adherence

Organization & time management

Physical readiness

Education

High school diploma & relevant program experience

Bachelor's degree in PE/ recreation or related field

Job description

Youth Engagement Coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) develops and delivers structured recreation and wellness programs within secure facilities to support positive youth development and reduce idle time.

The role applies trauma-informed approaches, builds monthly calendars, incentives, and allies with staff to promote safety, accountability, and rehabilitation outcomes.