Employment Services Specialist

Salary: $37,200.00 - $59,500.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191821
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Human Resources
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: AG06
Position Number:: 61145965 (191821)
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN06
Hiring Range - Min.: $49,000.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at and follow the status of your application online.
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:
Under general supervision, the Employment Services Specialist in Employment Services supports the hiring process by efficiently managing human resources documents, coordinating recruitment efforts, overseeing new hire processing and entering data into systems. This role ensures compliance with established policies and procedures while maintaining accurate records and providing support to hiring managers and candidates.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the applicant tracking system (ATS) by screening applicants and maintaining applicant statuses,
• Processes new hire paperwork in accordance with Internal policies.
• In the absence of the Agency Recruiter, refers qualified candidates to hiring managers through the ATS.
• Ensures vacancy announcements are accurate and up to date in the ATS, closing requisitions promptly when positions have been filled.
• Conducts initial reviews, screenings, and interviews for various positions.
• Assesses candidates against suitability criteria and provides contingency offers to those meeting requirements.
• Facilitates background checks, medical requisitions, and, as needed, reference checks for contingent candidates.
• Maintains communication with candidates during the pre-employment process, providing updates and requesting additional documentation as needed.
• Coordinates and maintains reports and logs related to candidate statuses, ensuring compliance with workflow steps.
• Ensures that all required new hire documents are requested within two (2) business days of receipt and that candidates are submitted for final approval within ten (10) business days after receiving complete documentation.
• Creates and extends employment offers consistent with job requirements and organizational policies.
• Achieves established recruitment and hiring goals within a designated time frame.
• Monitors progress towards goals and implements adjustments to strategies and workflows as needed to meet hiring objectives.
• Provides information and updates to the Agency Recruiter and Director of Recruitment & Employment Services to support metrics monitoring and ensures alignment with departmental recruitment targets.
• Provides assistance to hiring managers on the use of the applicant tracking system, resolving inquiries related to candidate statuses or system functions.
• Responds to and resolves employee and employment related questions within the scope of Employment Services.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned, contributing to departmental objectives.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma and administrative experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted or the required work experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have working knowledge of human resources laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to the area of employment.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively.
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.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time and have mobile dexterity to utilize office equipment with the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and two (2) years of administrative, clerical, or human resources experience.
A Human Resources certification from an accredited body is preferred.

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.
If selected for a position requiring a degree, you will be asked to provide a certified transcript. Prior to an offer of employment, a background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please explain 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


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you at least 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

11


Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.?

• Yes
• No

12


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

• Yes
• No

13


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

• Yes
• No

14


How did you hear about this position?

• SC Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
• Career Fair
• SC Works
• Indeed.com
• DJJ Employee
• Other

15


If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
16


If you answered "Other" for the previous question, please specify.
17


Do you have a high school diploma and related experience?

• Yes
• No

18


Do you have bachelor's degree or a higher level of education?

• Yes
• No

19


Are you proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite products (Excel, WORD, and Powerpoint)?

• Yes
• No

20


Describe your professional experience as it relates to human resources, employment services, and/or recruitment.
21


Do you have experience with utilizing recruitment platforms (ATS's or CRM's)? If yes, please list.
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