Correctional Officer II - MEDC​/JDC

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Posted March 9

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) seeks Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs) to maintain safety and security at Midlands Region Facilities, including the Juvenile Detention Complex (JDC) and the Midlands Evaluation and Development Center (MEDC). The role supports the agency’s mission to transform young lives, strengthen families and build safer communities.

New starting salary: $47,682. The position is full‑time, negotiable compensation, and open to all experience levels.

• Diligently ensure compliance with Juvenile Correctional Officer continuous certification requirements.
• Interact with youth to ensure safety, security, rehabilitation, and overall well‑being.
• Perform assigned duties to provide care, meet basic needs, and ensure security of all youth under supervision.
• Conduct headcounts and maintain accurate logs; complete required reports.
• Respond promptly to emergencies following agency protocols.
• Perform routine and unannounced security checks and frisk searches as required by policy.
• Serve on facility posts, including specialized units, ensuring coverage and operational efficiency.
• Counsel youth to prevent incidents and redirect inappropriate behavior; enforce behavior management system.
• Address disruptions and emergencies using verbal and physical de‑escalation techniques.
• Communicate observations and interactions with educational, social work, mental health, and medical staff; participate in unit team meetings.
• Supervise youth during transportation and movement to required activities.
• Ensure youth receive proper medical care as needed.
• Submit work order requests and maintain a clean, safe environment.
• Compile detailed incident, safety, and operational reports.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisors to uphold agency values.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• U.S. Citizen, at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license.
• Attend, pass, and maintain all required SCDJJ training courses and certification requirements.

• Understand and apply state laws, institutional rules, regulations, and youth control statutes.
• Implement secure facility operations for safety and security.
• Teach, handle, and supervise youth across activities.
• Strong interpersonal, patience, professionalism, and effective communication skills.
• Exercise sound judgment and initiative in various situations.
• Build positive relationships with youth, fostering respect and trust.
• Establish constructive working relationships with coworkers, families, and the public.
• Follow policies, procedures, and training for safety and security.
• Adhere to schedules, document events and activities, and supervise youth effectively.
• Maintain valid state driver’s license and operate vehicles safely.

• Certification and Training
  • Obtain CLEE certification within 90 days of employment.
  • Achieve 80% or higher on competency/proficiency exam and demonstrate supervisory and teaching skills.
  • Training includes behavioral management techniques such as primary restraint, take‑down procedures, handcuffing, prone positions, kicking and striking motions, joint manipulations, bending and torque motions, CPR/First Aid/AED breathing techniques, and kneeling protocols.
• Physical Demands
  • Mobility and physical capability, including bending, lifting, kneeling, and torque motions.
  • Respond to emergencies and restrain youth per agency policy.
  • Walk and stand for extended periods; sit in a chair up to 8 hours; visually distinguish subjects up to 75 yards.
  • Work may occur in extreme heat, cold, humidity, or inclement weather.
• Work Schedule
  • Required to work day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Must be available for mandatory overtime as needed.
• Environmental & Equipment Requirements
  • Maintain valid state‑issued driver’s license and operate motor vehicle safely.
  • Wear protective equipment during emergencies or per policy.
• Job Duties Context
  • Perform tasks related to custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth under the Department of Juvenile Justice…