Public Safety Officer - Certified & Trainee

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.

Minimum And Additional 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Essential Position

• The employee may have direct and direct contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 insurance
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Training

• Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

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.