Date posted: April 30, 2026
Pay: Up to $51,270.00 per year
Job description:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Submitting your application on Indeed is not the official SCDJJ application. After you apply, a recruiter will contact you with instructions to complete the official South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice application required for employment consideration. Please monitor your email (and spam/junk folders) for follow-up communication from our recruitment team.
Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a difference? Join SCDJJ as a Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) and help shape the future of at-risk youth in a safe, secure, and supportive environment.
What You’ll Do:
- Supervise youth and maintain safety and security
- Conduct head counts, room searches, and contraband checks
- Respond to incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations
- Enforce behavior management systems and facility rules
- Assist with transportation, visitation, and daily routines
- Maintain accurate documentation, records, and reports
- Collaborate with educational, mental health, medical, and law enforcement staff
No Experience? No Problem.
We provide full training in communication skills, crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, CPR/First Aid, defensive tactics, and more. You'll graduate ready to make a real impact in the lives of youth.
Requirements:
- U.S. citizen, age 21 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass background checks, drug screening, and medical exam
- Physical ability to restrain youth and perform essential job duties (kneeling, lifting, standing, running)
- Must work shift schedules, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
- Must complete Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) certification within 90 days
Benefits:
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
- Health, dental, and life insurance
- Paid time off: 15 vacation days, 15 sick days, 13 holidays/year
- Retirement plans and deferred compensation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Discount programs (TicketatWork, WeSave)
Application Process:
Applications must include full education and work history and answers to all supplemental questions. A resume is optional but cannot replace the completed application.
If selected, a background check (including criminal history, credit records, driver’s license, and child abuse registry), medical exam, and drug screening are required. Certified transcripts may be requested. Please explain any employment gaps in your application.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
Ability to Commute:
- Columbia, SC 29203 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Columbia, SC 29203: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Pay: Up to $51,270.00 per year
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
