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 2023, DJJ was able to increase salaries and bonuses for JCOs, as well as streamline career advancement opportunities for officers.

Starting Salary: $43,806

• Built-in increases at six and 18 months for applicable positions
• 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 TicketsatWork and WeSave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Annual retention bonuses are based on years of service and range from $2,500 to $4,000.

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.

Starting Salary: $42,250 - $59,925

• $1000 Signing Bonus
• Built-in salary increase at 12 months for applicable positions
• 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 TicketsatWork and WeSave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

DJJ is looking for Community Specialists with a heart for serving youth and a tenacity to ensure the best services and supervision are provided.

Critical-Need Positions

The agency offers sign-on bonuses for various positions. See the chart below!