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Lieutenant - Mec

State of South Carolina | SC

Posted Date 5/21/2025
Description

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 limited supervision of the Captain, the Lieutenant assists in the strategic planning and implementation of facility operational procedures while maintaining compliance with agency policy and procedures along Federal and State Law. This position is assigned to specific posts to ensure orderly facility operations and the safety and well-being of all youth and staff. This position plays an essential role, and the responsibilities directly impact the youth and the ability of the agency to provide safe and secure rehabilitative opportunities for youth. This position's purpose is to contribute positively to the youth's overall rehabilitative process through a positive youth development framework and a positive facility culture.

JOB DUTIES:

Engages with youth throughout the day to ensure their safety, security, rehabilitation, and well-being.

Ensures frequent and helpful communication with youth throughout the day.

Physically respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Conducts routine and unannounced security inspections per agency policy.

Conducts routine and unannounced frisk searches of the youth after all youth movements.

Ensures that each youth has their basic needs met.

Remains knowledgeable and informed of the security status of all youth assigned.

Supervises, manages, leads, trains, and mentors all Security Staff assigned to the unit in a secure environment in the performance of duties to ensure the safety and security of all staff, youth, and state property.

Monitors living units to ensure compliance with safety, security, sanitation, and maintenance regulations.

Assists in maintaining the shift schedule and coordinates staff coverage when necessary.

Supervises/attends daily shift briefings periodically to ensure proper communication/ teamwork for all staff on shifts at a specific facility.

Maintains inventory of all security equipment, including but not limited to keys, vehicles, security devices, etc.

Evaluates staff's performance, instructs and counsels staff on required performance standards, and initiates appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action when necessary.

Mediates disputes between youth and JCOs.

Complies with agency policy and procedure to complete required reports concerning youth and/or employee-related incidents and any matters pertaining to the facility's safety, security, and operation.

Ensures all reports are accurate and submitted to the appropriate person at the end of the shift.

Ensures all subordinate staff complies with agency policy, procedure, and Federal and State Law.

Performs other security-related duties when required.

Serves as a member of the On-Call management team and responds to the needs of the facility.

Performs other duties and tasks assigned by a supervisor to support the agency's mission and values further.

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and relevant experience. A bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Agency Requirements:
Must be 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or equivalent. Must also have 3 years of experience in correctional, security, military, or police work, including at least 1 year of supervisor experience. Must attend, pass, and maintain all required DJJ training courses.

Must be an officer compliant with and certified under CLEE (Continuing Law Enforcement Education) within six (6) months of employment. Must have an 80% rate on competency/proficiency exam and possess supervisor and teaching skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Considerable knowledge of state law, secured facility rules, regulations, requirements for the control of youth, and compliance with SC Child Abuse Statutes.

Considerable knowledge of purposes, methods, and operational practices of DJJ facilities.

Ability to lead and develop new officers.

Considerable knowledge of various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in various activities.

Ability to exercise good judgment/initiative in a variety of situations.

Ability to build healthy relationships with youth and effectively communicate with them to promote respect and trust and manage challenging behaviors maturely and professionally and in accordance with training.

Ability to complete required reports to include daily ERS Reports.

Ability to establish working relationships with employees. Ability to maintain a valid state driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle.

Under limited supervision with an annually scheduled performance review. Works independently on a limited basis.

The position is not sedentary; employees must be mobile and able to bend and lift, interact, and intervene with youth when applicable.

Must be able to respond physically to emergency situations, including physically intervening and/or restraining youth according to agency policy.

Required to work shift hours (day, evening, night, weekend, &/or holidays) and be subject to mandatory overtime stay as needed by the facility.

Training applicable to these duties will be provided. It will consist of physically and successfully completing the agency’s selected Behavioral Management training which includes the Primary Restraint and Take Down techniques and on-the-job functions but not limited to: Handcuffing (hands extended behind back), prone positions (flat on stomach and/or back), Kicks and Strike Motions, Joint Manipulations, bending at the waist and torque motions. Lifting hands above the head, repeated breathing (inhaling/exhaling) techniques for CPR/First Aid/AED. Kneel on knees (together and individually) unsupported.

Must be able to work in extreme heat/cold/ humidity/inclement weather; safely operate a motor vehicle, including having a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, sit in a desk chair for up to eight hours per day at least 5-7 days per week, visually distinguish subjects at distances of up to 75 yards, and wear protective equipment in case of emergencies.

Must attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE).

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 indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree in human services or criminal justice field accompanied with experience supervising, mentoring, and interacting with at-risk youth. A bachelor's degree in a human services or criminal justice field may substitute for the required supervisory experience.

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

Applications 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.
Salary38,985.00 - 72,134.00 Annual
Field
Corrections
Highest Educational Degree Required
High school diploma

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