Due to the broad scope of services SCDJJ provides, our Agency has a variety of gratifying career opportunities suitable for almost any educational and professional background. The agency operates its own accredited school district, helps youth pursue career and workforce development opportunities, shows youth how to make a positive impact on their local communities, and provides rehabilitative and recreational services tailored to the individual needs of each young person.
Nearly 1,100 employees are #InspiringChangeTransformingLives. We serve approximately 3,400 youth in every county and corner of the Palmetto State. So, chances are, a fulfilling career serving the next generation of South Carolinians isn’t far away.
If you're interested in joining Team DJJ, you can see all of our current career opportunities on our SC Careers page.
Critical-Need Positions and Bonus Incentives
Juvenile Correctional Officers
Juvenile Correctional Officers are a vital part of our agency and mission. The safety and security of youth and staff within our secure facilities is a top priority, and that starts with our officers. Our JCOs work within our facilities to provide a safe, secure environment and help facilitate access to programming, education, recreation and other services for youth offenders.
Thanks to funding awarded by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2022, DJJ was able to increase salaries and bonuses for JCOs, as well as streamline career advancement opportunities for officers.
Salaries: $39,140 up to $72,339
- Built-in increases at six and 18 months
- Career advancement through ranking officer positions that also come with competitive salary increases
- State benefits, such as paid vacation and sick leave, 13 paid holidays per year, Police Officers Retirement System (PORS), Health/Life Insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Discount Programs such as PerksCard, TicketatWork and WeSave
Annual retention bonuses are based on years of service and range from $2500 to $4000.
Also, those who want to serve our youth and state in a part-time capacity can take advantage of our 4-, 6-, and 8-hour part-time JCO schedules. However, part-time JCOs are not included in the incentive programs.
NEW!!! JCO Referral Bonus is $5,000 effective January 1, 2023 through July 1, 2023!!
Community Specialists
DJJ serves the vast majority of agency-involved youth right in their home communities. The agency has 43 county offices that provide individualized supervision and services to youth and families. Community Specialists are on the frontlines of the juvenile justice process and are involved with youth from the moment they enter the system until they complete probation and parole. Their versatility makes them effective in a variety of settings, whether it's the courtroom or the neighborhood. Community Specialists conduct screening interviews, assess risk factors and needs for the young person, and help coordinate services for the youth and families they serve. DJJ's Community Specialists are true advocates for both youth offenders and entire communities, as they balance the safety and needs of all involved in order for everyone to succeed and grow.
Salaries: $38,625 to $55,816+
- $1000 Signing Bonus
- Built-in salary increase at 12 months
- State benefits, such as paid vacation and sick leave, 13 paid holidays per year, Police Officers Retirement System (PORS), Health/Life Insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Discount Programs such as PerksCard, TicketatWork and WeSave
DJJ is looking for Community Specialists with a heart for serving youth and a tenacity to ensure the best services and supervision are provided.
Other Critical-Need Positions
As part of our ongoing effort to recruit and retain the very best employees, DJJ launched signing bonus and employee referral programs in the Summer of 2020 and updated in the Summer of 2022 for critical-need positions. In addition to bonuses outlined above for Juvenile Correctional Officers and Community Specialists, the agency offers signing and referral bonuses for the critical-need, direct care positions in the chart below. Bonuses are paid out in installments. This structure is designed to not only recruit new staff, but also retain them for years to come.
Current employees receive up to a $5000 referral bonus for each new hire they refer to the agency (for critical-need vacancies only).
