Environmental Health & Safety Officer

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 Director of Administrative Operations, the Environmental Health & Safety Officer (EHSO) serves as the primary authority at the facility for environmental health, occupational safety, institutional safety programs, and the radiological screening systems, i.e. body scanners are functioning properly within a secure correctional facility. This position is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive safety and environmental programs that protect employees, youth, visitors, and state property while supporting the safe and secure operation of the institution. The EHSO provides technical guidance and subject matter expertise to facility leadership, security personnel, health services, food services, and contracted services providers to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, and South Carolina laws and agency policies and procedures. The position plays a critical role in risk management by identifying hazardous conditions, recommending corrective actions, monitoring compliance, and promoting a culture of safety and accountability throughout the facility. The EHSO supports emergency preparedness and response activities, assists with inspections, and audits, and serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies and oversight bodies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct routine inspections of facilities housing units, kitchens, medical areas, maintenance spaces, and program areas to identify and correct hazards according to policies, codes, and standards. Conduct monthly security equipment audits of all secured facilities. Ensure facilities have equipment that is fully operational and the needs are met. Coordinate the repair of radios through Safety & Law Enforcement Services. Perform inspections, testing, and daily operations of SCDJJ radiology screening systems i.e. body scanners. Support daily security screening at X-Ray Body scanner locations. Oversee and monitor the operational function and maintenance of staff usage to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with regulations. Review safety related incidents involving staff injuries, youth injuries, and environmental hazards and other events. Identify the root cause, recommend corrective and preventative actions, and ensure they are properly documented within the Event Report System (ERS). Review incident trends and workers compensation data to identify risk areas and improve safety performance. Develop and oversee programs related to radiation safety, infection control, sanitation, water safety, food safety, and coordinate with medical, food services, and maintenance to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. Provide staff with radiation and environmental health and safety training and coordinate emergency preparedness and response planning. Perform scheduled and unannounced safety inspections to assess risk related to sanitation, fire safety, air quality, hazardous materials, equipment usage, and overall facility conditions. Maintain accurate records of inspections, incident investigations, training sessions, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance activities. Perform other related job duties as assigned.

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Substantial knowledge of state law secured facility rules, regulations, requirements for youth control, and compliance with SC Child Abuse Statutes. Substantial knowledge of the purpose, methods, and operational practices of DJJ facilities. Substantial 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 in order to promote respect and trust with them and manage challenging behaviors maturely and professionally and in accordance with training. Lead and develop new officer's ability to complete required reports, including 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. Knowledge of environmental health, occupational health, occupational safety, and sanitation standards applicable to correctional facilities. Ability to conduct inspections, investigations, and risk assessments in a secure environment. Work is performed in a high-risk, secure environment requiring sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to balance safety requirements with institutional security needs.

ESSENTIAL POSITION

Performs work within a secure facility relating to the custody, control and transportation or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may direct and indirect contact with juveniles within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. 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, and/or holidays) and be subject to mandatory overtime stay as needed by the facility. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

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. Must be 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or equivalent. Must also have 5 years of experience in correctional, security, military, or police work to include at least 1 year of supervisor experience. Must attend, pass, and maintain all required DJJ training courses.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

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.

BENEFITS

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 #J-18808-Ljbffr State of South Carolina