Sergeant - Inst Ridgeland Correctional Inst., Ridgeland; JASPER) Level 2

The Recruiting Sergeant serves as the institution's primary lead for correctional officer recruitment, guiding applicants from initial contact through onboarding. This role identifies and 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.

• 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.

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

• 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 the 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.