School Resource Officer

Salary: $54,366.00 - $67,932.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 175449
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Safety & Law Enforcement Services
Opening Date: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Class Code:: JC20
Position Number:: 60031274 (175449)
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Various shifts.
Pay Grade: LAW04
Hiring Range - Min.: $53,300.00
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, serves as the initial law enforcement responder and school safety coordinator for campus emergencies. Provides security for special school events or functions such as sporting events, or at the request of school administration and approval of the Director of Public Safety. Assists other law enforcement officers with outside investigations concerning students attending the school. Escorts unauthorized, unruly visitors, or terminated employees off DJJ campuses. Establishes and maintains a close partnership with school administrators in order to provide a safe school environment. Enforce State and Department policies, rules, and regulations for the protection and security of youth, staff, visitors, and property of the South Carolina DJJ.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serves as School Resource Officer responding to and resolving calls for service.


Performs law enforcement duties by patrolling S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice Campuses to ensure the safety and security of persons and property, searches for and apprehends AWOLS, assists units in controlling youth disturbances; and ensures proper notifications are made to management.

Conducts routine patrols of assigned campuses to include buildings and parking lots.


Serves as the initial law enforcement first responder and school safety coordinator for campus emergencies.


Provides security for special school events or functions such as sporting events, or at the request of school administration.

Prepares shift reports, and other records.


Operates communication network and vehicles.


Ensures that vehicles and equipment are properly maintained.


Transports youth as deemed necessary.

Investigates escapes and vehicle accidents occurring on agency property.


Conducts other investigations such as drugs, theft, contraband, and youth abuse.

Assists other law enforcement officers with outside investigations concerning students attending the school.


Escorts unauthorized, unruly visitors, or terminated employees off DJJ campuses.


Establishes and maintains a close partnership with school administrators in order to provide a safe school environment.

Performs other related job duties deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety and/or or the Inspector General.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.


Special Requirement: Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be knowledgeable of state laws to ensure the protection and security of persons and property of all DJJ facilities.


Knowledge of modern law enforcement techniques and procedures; how to collect and preserve evidence; legal rights of suspects and victims; functions and interrelationships of SCDJJ.


Skilled in the operation of LE vehicles, weapons, and communications equipment; the ability to correctly evaluate situations and make good decisions; the ability to deal firmly, yet tactfully, with general public; to read, write and comprehend materials.


The ability to provide classroom instructions on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, narcotics, safety, relationship skills, de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and responsible decision making.

Essential Position: Must be able to work with aggressive delinquent youth daily in accordance with SCDJJ Policies and Procedures. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs., sit 1-3 hours per day, stand 1-3 hours per day, walk 1-3 hours per day and ability to work varied hours to meet organizational needs. Deal with confidential and sensitive information. Prioritize multiple competing priorities during high stress situations. Travel overnight occasionally.


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.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Current SC CJA Class 1 Law enforcement Officer and the School Resource Officer Certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

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 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.
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. SCDJJ 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


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

12


Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

13


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

• Yes
• No

14


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

• Yes
• No

15


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

• Yes
• No

16


How did you hear about this position?

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

17


If you answered "DJJ Employee" for the previous question, please share their name.
18


If you answered "Other" for the previous question, please specify.
19


Do you have a high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

20


Do you possess certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976?

• Yes
• No

21


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

22


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