Juvenile Justice Internship: Research, Outreach & Policy

Job Overview

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) offers a Spring 2027 Cohort internship program for students and emerging professionals. The internship provides hands‑on experience related to many facets of the juvenile justice system and develops professional skills through real‑world exposure to juvenile justice careers and supporting administrative functions.

It is the mission of DJJ to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

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 screens in accordance with SCDJJ policies.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

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.

State employees are eligible for generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and savings plan options, paid vacation and sick leave, and work‑life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules. Health insurance includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long‑term disability, and flexible spending accounts for health and child‑care expenses. Retirement plans offered include defined benefit and defined contribution options, and employees may participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program (401(k) and 457 plans).

Workplace benefits also include tuition assistance, holiday, annual and sick leave, and discounts on purchases, travel, and more.

I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity employer. SCDJJ does not discriminate in hiring, promotions, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, or other employment aspects based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. Any acts that feel are in violation, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC (803) 896‑9749.