Security Response Officer

Salary: $53,300.00 - $66,600.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 172148
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Safety & Law Enforcement Services
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Class Code:: JD40
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: LAW04
Hiring Range - Min.: $61,326.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at and follow the status of your application online.
Position Number:: 60031170, 60032674, 60032706, 60033722, 60033715, 60032568, 60032702, 60031266, 60032711, 60031486 (172148)
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
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:
The Security Response Team (SRT) Officer under the direct supervision of the Department of Public Safety or other supervisors. The Security Response Team member is to contain and control the immediate crisis area and regains control of the incident by non-lethal force. The Security Response Team Correctional Officer will play a vital role in all announced and requested contraband interdiction efforts. These efforts will include, but not limited to, random/routine searches and shakedowns, searches and frisk of youth and visitors and the gathering of intelligence information as it relates to contraband control on institution grounds. The Security Response Team Correctional Officer will be the primary layer of support to the frontline Juvenile Correctional Officer when transporting and providing supervision to potentially volatile/aggressive youth.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Physically respond appropriately to emergency situations to isolate, control, and quell disturbances/incidents that are beyond the control of an institutional response.


Works to assist directly with any crisis intervention disputes amongst the youth.


Assist in controlling disruptive behavior. Refer acute problems to appropriate staff.


Play a proactive role in all agency institutional contraband interdiction efforts.


Conduct routine and/or pre-scheduled searches and shakedowns of youth and visitors within the confines of correctional institution living areas or grounds.


These efforts will include, but are not limited to, routine institutional searches, shakedowns, conducts routine and unannounced strip (for cause), frisk searches of youth, and maintaining presence and support at institutional entry gates.

Provides security assistance for normal activities and special programs.


Assists in the movement, transportation, and supervision of potentially volatile/aggressive youth.

Prepare written reports regarding actions taken.


Provide written and/or oral communication concerning institutional matters for briefing/advising other officers, supervisors other agency officials.


Draft, write and/or dictate clear, concise, and comprehensive reports of contraband findings and prepare shift reports for dissemination.

Be available for recall in emergency and non-emergency situations that require additional support personnel.


Ability to be flexible with schedule to work various time frames. Remain thoroughly familiar with all policies governing contraband control, searches, property, visitation, etc.


Attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) and Agency policy.


Performs other 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 Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma and relevant experience. A bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to meet and maintain certification by the Continuing Law Enforce Education (CLEE).


Ability to learn state laws/institutional rules/regulations/requirements for the control of youth/Child Abuse Statutes.

Knowledge of purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.


Ability to learn of various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in various activities.


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


Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory working relationships with youth/fellow employees/families/general public.

Must perform restraints on youth without restrictions.


Willing to work any shift and stay over if necessary.


Work in locked quarters, be able to bend over, lift 50+ lbs., must be mobile, no sedentary duties, must be able to work around youth without restrictions.


This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.


Must possess the ability to pass a semi-annual physical fitness test.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

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


Must be 21 years of age.


High school diploma or equivalent and 18 months of experience in correctional, security, military, or police work required.


Must attend, pass and maintain all required DJJ training courses.


Must pass a drug test. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related.


Must be an officer in compliance 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 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

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 pre-employment drug screening will be required. Medical examinations may also be required depending on the position. Lastly, 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.
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 Benefits
State 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 Benefits
State 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.
01


I 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.

• Yes
• No

02


I 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: View phone number on click.appcast.io; Special Education Office, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC I have read and fully understand DJJ's position concerning the law.

• Yes
• No

03


I 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.

• Yes
• No

04


I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment.

• Yes
• No

05


I 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.

• Yes
• No

06


Have 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".
07


Do 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?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.
09


Have you ever served in the military?

• Yes
• No

10


If 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.
11


Are you able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

13


Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

14


Are you currently employed or have you previously been employed with SCDJJ?

• Yes
• No

15


How did you hear about this position?

• SC State Government Jobs Website
• Career Fair
• SC Works
• Social Media
• DJJ Employee
• Indeed.com
• Other

16


If you answered "DJJ Employee" for the previous question, please share their name.
17


If you answered "Other" for the previous question, please specify.
18


Do you have a high school diploma and relevant experience?

• Yes
• No

19


Do you have at least 18 months of experience in correctional, security, military, or police work?

• Yes
• No

20


Do you have a bachelor's degree?

• Yes
• No

21


Are you a U.S. citizen and if selected for employment, can you provide proof of citizenship?

• Yes
• No

22


I 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.

• Yes
• No

23


Please 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