Internship Program

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.

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) Internship Program provides students and emerging professionals with hands‑on experience related to many facets of the juvenile justice system. Interns will gain insight into SCDJJ operations while assisting in key areas of the agency. This internship is designed to develop professional skills and provide real‑world exposure to juvenile justice careers and the supporting administrative functions.

• Assisting with department‑specific tasks.
• Observing and participating in assigned departmental activities.
• Supporting assigned area in their daily responsibilities.
• Conducting research, analyzing reports, and contributing to presentations or policy discussions.
• Engaging in community outreach initiatives and assisting with youth‑focused programs.
• Participating in professional development sessions, including SCDJJ’s New Intern Orientation (NIO) and additional internship‑specific training sessions.
• Completing assigned deliverables within project timelines and maintaining detailed records of work.
• Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to SCDJJ policies and ethical standards.
• Performing other duties as assigned by area supervisor.

• Understanding of the juvenile justice system, policies, and rehabilitation approaches and how SCDJJ serves the citizens of South Carolina.
• Exposure to case management, legal procedures, and program coordination.
• Professional communication, problem‑solving, and critical thinking in a justice‑related setting.
• Experience working with at‑risk youth and implementing intervention strategies.
• Career development through networking and mentorship opportunities.

• Currently enrolled or pursuing a collegiate degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, administration, information technology or a related field.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
• Willingness to work in a structured environment with justice‑involved youth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other administrative tools is a plus.
• Must pass a background check and medical screen in accordance with SCDJJ policies.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

To ensure a meaningful internship experience and evaluate program effectiveness, SCDJJ will develop learning objectives and evaluation standards for each internship area. Interns will receive regular feedback from their supervisors, participate in structured check‑ins, and complete a final evaluation to assess progress and skill development.

SCDJJ will work with the college’s respective academic advisors to ensure internship requirements are met.