state of south carolinaColumbia, SC
Public Safety Officer - Certified & Trainee
$53,300 - $67,932 per year
Apply (opens in a new tab)Public Safety Officer - Certified & Trainee
Public Safety Officer - Certified & Trainee
state of south carolinaColumbia, SC
today
$53,300 - $67,932 per year
Other Justice, Public Order, and Safety ActivitiesPolice ProtectionParole Offices and Probation Offices
Apply for this role (opens in a new tab)Salary: $54,366.00 - $67,932.00 Annually
Location: Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 185956 Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Safety & Law Enforcement Services
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Class Code:: JC20Position Number:: 60032507, 60033750, 60033751, 60032612, 60033763 (185956) Normal Work Schedule:: OtherNormal Work Schedule (Other):: Shift work.
Pay Grade: LAW04Hiring Range - Min.: $53,300.00EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at www.careers.sc.gov and follow the status of your application online. Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities:
CERTIFIED ($54,233)TRAINEE ($53,300)THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $7,500 SIGN-ON BONUS*If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).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.
JOB PURPOSE:
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.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Patrols assigned area to prevent crime and detect violations of law. Responds to complaints, reports of violations and requests for law enforcement assistance. Performs general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in special operations and directed patrols. Testifies in court and other legal proceedings; prosecutes defendants in magistrate's court. Keeps records and makes reports regarding activities. Enforce SC traffic laws. Apprehends, arrests violators and escapees. Investigates alleged or suspected violations of criminal law. Interviews witnesses and suspects. Directs traffic, investigates traffic collisions, and controls crowds. Assists the Community Service Division by accompanying them on site visits, appointments, etc. of disruptive and violent juveniles. Observes, instructs, corrects, investigates and reports persons or incidents involving, but limited to, suspected break-ins, tampering, vandalism, thefts, property damage, safety hazards, smoke, fire obstructions and conditions or violations contrary to the best interest of institution. Investigates motor vehicle collisions on DJJ property. Investigates all escapes from institutions upon apprehension of juvenile(s).Transports juvenile(s) as required for medical appointments, funerals, etc. in and/or out of state per agency policy and operating procedures. Prepares written reports of investigation based on his or her actions. Escorts unauthorized, unruly visitors, or terminated employee(s) off DJJ Campuses. Performs 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. Minimum and Additional RequirementsSTATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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.On call for emergencies 24 hours per day. Essential Position: Candidate should possess high moral, character, someone stable and 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., sits 1-3 hours per day: stand 1-3 hours per day, walk 1-3 hours per day and ability to 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 occasionally travels 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 and direct contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.
Preferred QualificationsPREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
- Certified: Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976.Trainee: Must attend and complete South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy within one (1) year.
- Must have a valid SC Driver's license.
- Additional Comments
- The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health, dental, and life insurance15 days annual (vacation) leave per year15 days of sick leave per year13 paid holidays
- State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
- Discount Programs such as Ticketat
- Work and WeSaveApplications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. Applications are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the stated closing date.
You will be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please provide an explanation for any gaps in employment. A resume may be attached to your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.*Sign-On Bonus: Agencies may give sign-on bonuses to individuals recruited to critical needs jobs at the beginning of their employment with the agency. Bonuses cannot be offered or given to employees moving from other agencies by transfer, promotion or demotion. Sign-on bonuses are limited to one per employee, per year.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits:
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement BenefitsState employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace BenefitsState employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note:
The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.01I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity employer. DJJ 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 you feel are in violation, please get in touch with the Office of Human Resources, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC (803) 896-5607.YesNo02I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice's School District also does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The following offices have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the school district's nondiscrimination policies: Title IX - Inspector General's Office - 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210-5427 - Ph: 803-896-9595; Special Education Office, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC I have read and fully understand DJJ's position concerning the law. YesNo03I understand that SCDJJ will not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with residents and shall not enlist the services of any contractor who may have contact with residents who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997); has been convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above. YesNo04I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment. YesNo05I certify that I have not been convicted of any criminal offenses that carries a sentence of 1 year or more or any criminal offenses that involves moral turpitude (an act contrary to the accepted rule of right and duty to man and society). Forfeiture of bond, a guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere is considered the equivalent of a conviction. YesNo06Have you or any members of your family ever been a victim of a crime committed by a juvenile who is currently under the supervision of SCDJJ? If yes, type in "Yes" and give your last name of the juvenile, date, and location of trial. If no, please type "No".07Do you currently or have you ever worked in or have been professionally associated with a prison, jail, lock, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1997?YesNo08If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.09 Are you currently employed or have you previously been employed with SCDJJ?YesNo10Are you a U.S. citizen and if selected for employment, can you provide proof of citizenship? YesNo11Have you ever served in the military? YesNo12If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the branch and dates of service. Be prepared to provide a DD214 for each period of service.13 Are you able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation? YesNo14Do you have a valid driver's license? YesNo15Are you at least 21 years of age? YesNo16How did you hear about this position? SC State Government Jobs Website Career FairSC WorksSocial MediaDJJ Employee Indeed.com Other17If you answered "DJJ Employee" for the previous question, please share their name.18If you answered "Other" for the previous question, please specify.19Do you have a high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency? YesNo20Do you possess certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976?YesNo21I understand that any misrepresentation, omission of facts, or otherwise falsification on this application and attachments will result in disapproval of this application or termination of employment. YesNo22Please provide us with two (2) references. One (1) professional reference and one (1) personal reference (non-family member). Please list name(s), phone number(s), and email address(es).Required Question
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$53,300 - $67,932 per year
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Columbia, SC
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