Detention Officer

There are many employment opportunities throughout the York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) in sworn capacity in the Detention Division. The Detention Center is located at the Moss Justice Center and is a two‑building facility. The Detention Center Main Building is a 621‑bed direct‑supervision facility that opened in March of 1995. The Detention Center Annex is a 256‑bed direct‑supervision facility that was formerly known as the York County Prison.

The York County Sheriff’s Office obtained custody of the York County Prison in July of 2021 and merged all operations under the York County Detention Center. The Detention Center is charged with holding individuals who have been arrested by various law enforcement agencies in York County and held until they post bond, are ordered released by a court, or are transferred to a state institution after court sentencing.

In addition, the Detention Center is charged with holding individuals who are sentenced to less than 90 days and/or all sentences through Family Court. The Detention Center also houses inmates for the U.S. Marshal Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement under an agreement that provides compensation to the county.

We invite you to apply to join our team as a full‑time, non‑exempt Detention Officer I within the York County Sheriff’s Office Detention division. A career advancement program and overtime opportunities are offered. The purpose of this position is to perform various security procedures and activities on assigned shift at the York County Detention Center, ensuring that security is maintained at all times for the protection of staff, inmates and the general public.

If a candidate is selected as a sworn Detention Officer and not certified as a Class II law enforcement officer in South Carolina, the candidate will be required to attend the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia, South Carolina for basic training. Successful completion is mandatory and detention officer candidates are paid their normal salary while attending. Once hired, new recruits will be provided uniforms and receive paid preservice training for four weeks and agency FTO, then paid training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Successful police academy certification must be achieved within the first year of employment. Pay increases/incentives are offered after 1st year of employment, 3rd year of employment, and may include COLA and other bonuses as offered.

YORK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – CAREER ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

• Detention Officer minimum hourly pay rate $23.60 (grade 204)
• Detention Officer II (grade 205)
• Senior Detention Officer (grade 206)
• This advancement program is subject to change in the discretion of the York County Sheriff.
• Additional incentives offered for experience and/or education.
• Overtime Pay:
  Any hours worked in excess of 80 hours (bi‑weekly) are compensated at a rate of time and a half.

• Compensation – competitive market‑rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
• Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance – Employees | S.C. PEBA
• Life Insurance
• Long‑term disability
• Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
• 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Longevity Pay
• SC State Retirement Plan Pension – PORS:
  Police Officers Retirement System | S.C. PEBA
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Sick Bank
• Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
• Wellness Screenings
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences
• All duty gear and equipment is issued and paid for by the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Candidate will be required to work twelve‑hour shifts to include holiday and weekend shifts. Currently, the day shift runs from 5:30 AM to 6 PM and the night shift from 5:30 PM to 6 AM.

This position is open until filled with review of applicants weekly. Applicants should monitor email for next steps of the application process. If you wish to find out more about a career at the York County…