Correctional Officer II - CEDC

About the role

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) mission is to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation. As a Juvenile Correctional Officer at the Coastal Evaluation and Development Center (CEDC), you will maintain safety and security for female youth, participate in a comprehensive training program covering communication, de‑escalation, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, first aid, report writing, and more. The position is open to all experience levels; successful candidates share a passion for service, strong communication skills, and a desire to positively impact youth.

Responsibilities

• Diligently ensures compliance with Juvenile Correctional Officer continuous certification requirements.
• Interact with youth throughout the day to ensure their safety, security, rehabilitation, and overall well‑being.
• Maintain frequent, meaningful communication to support their progress.
• Perform assigned duties to provide care, meet basic needs, and ensure the security of all youth under supervision.
• Conduct headcounts regularly, maintain accurate logs, and complete all required reports to document daily activities and incidents.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, following agency protocols and procedures.
• Perform routine and unannounced security checks and frisk searches as required by policy.
• Serve on various facility posts, including specialized units, to ensure comprehensive coverage and operational efficiency.
• Counsel youth to prevent incidents and redirect inappropriate behavior.
• Enforce the behavior management system consistently and effectively.
• Address disruptions and emergencies using verbal and physical de‑escalation techniques per agency policy.
• Communicate observations and interactions with educational, social work, mental health, and medical staff.
• Actively participate in unit team meetings to support youth rehabilitation plans.
• Supervise youth during transportation and movement to ensure participation in required treatment, education, recreation, vocational training, visitation, and other activities.
• Ensure youth receive proper medical care as needed, adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Submit work order requests to supervisors and maintain a clean, safe environment for youth and staff.
• Comply with agency policies to complete detailed reports on incidents, safety concerns, and operational matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors to further the agency’s mission and uphold its core values.
• Perform tasks related to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Maintain direct and indirect contact with youth as expected.
• Operate under general supervision of a direct supervisor who provides daily and monthly reviews and conducts annual performance evaluations.
• Work independently on a limited basis while adhering to agency policies and guidelines.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Minimum age 21 years.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must attend, pass, and maintain all required SCDJJ training courses and certification requirements.
• Obtain certification in Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) within 90 days of employment.
• Achieve a minimum competency/proficiency exam score of 80% and demonstrate supervisory and teaching skills.
• Maintain a valid state‑issued driver’s license and operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Wear protective equipment during emergencies or as required by agency policy.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising, mentoring, or interacting with at‑risk youth (preferred).

Skills

• Ability to understand and apply state laws, institutional rules, regulations, and requirements related to youth control, including Child Abuse Statutes.
• Ability to grasp the purpose, methods, and practices of secure facilities to ensure safety and security.