Public Safety Officer - Certified & Trainee

CERTIFIED ($54,233)

TRAINEE ($53,300)

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $7,500 SIGN-ON BONUS*

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.

Under the leadership of the Inspector General and Director of Public Safety and applicable supervision, will respond to and resolve calls for service, perform law enforcement duties by patrolling S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice Campuses to ensure the safety and security of persons and property.

• Patrol assigned area to prevent crime and detect violations of law.
• Respond to complaints, reports of violations and requests for law enforcement assistance.
• Perform general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in special operations and directed patrols.
• Testify in court and other legal proceedings; prosecute defendants in magistrate's court.
• Keep records and make reports regarding activities.
• Enforce SC traffic laws.
• Apprehend, arrest violators and escapees.
• Investigate alleged or suspected violations of criminal law.
• Interview witnesses and suspects.
• Direct traffic, investigate traffic collisions, and control crowds.
• Assist the Community Service Division by accompanying them on site visits, appointments, etc. of disruptive and violent juveniles.
• Observe, instruct, correct, investigate and report persons or incidents involving suspected break‑ins, tampering, vandalism, theft, property damage, safety hazards, smoke, fire obstructions and conditions or violations contrary to the best interest of institution.
• Investigate motor vehicle collisions on DJJ property.
• Investigate all escapes from institutions upon apprehension of juvenile(s).
• Transport juvenile(s) as required for medical appointments, funerals, etc. in and/or out of state per agency policy and operating procedures.
• Prepare written reports of investigation based on actions.
• Escort unauthorized, unruly visitors, or terminated employee(s) off DJJ Campuses.
• Perform other related job duties deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety and/or the Inspector General that supports the mission and needs of the agency.

A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to prepare reports.
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities during high‑stress situations.
• Perform general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in vehicle and employee searches, be on alert for suspicious activities, drugs, theft, contraband, and juvenile abuse.
• Patrol assigned area to prevent crime and detect violations of law.
• Respond to complaints, reports of violations and request for assistance.
• Investigate traffic collisions.
• Escort unruly visitors off campus.
• Perform emergency and routine juvenile transport.
• Provide a safe environment for the juvenile(s), visitor(s) and employee(s) of DJJ.
• Be on call for emergencies 24 hours per day.

Candidate should possess high moral character, be stable in nature, and able to withstand a background investigation. Must be able to work with aggressive delinquent juveniles daily in accordance with SCDJJ Policies and Procedures. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs., sit 1‑3 hours per day, stand 1‑3 hours per day, walk 1‑3 hours per day and work varied hours to meet organizational needs.

Deal with confidential and sensitive information. Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities during high‑stress situations and ability to occasionally travel overnight.

This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The employee may have direct contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.