Salary: $40,800.00 - $51,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Security & Operations
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: JD35
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: 12-hour shift varies. The schedule is based on agency needs.
Pay Grade: LAW01
Hiring Range - Min.: $48,635.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at and follow your application status online.
Position Number:: , , , , , , , , , , , )
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Join the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice as an Intake Officer!
Are you ready for an exciting, rewarding career where you can make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth? Join the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) and help transform young lives while building a stronger, safer community.
NEW STARTING SALARY: $47,682
We are hiring Intake Officers to maintain safety and security at our Juvenile Detention Complex (JDC) :
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) 's mission is to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.
Open to ALL experience levels.
Our comprehensive training program equips new officers with skills in communication, de-escalation, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, first aid, report writing, and more. You'll learn from experienced trainers who prepare you for a meaningful career in corrections and law enforcement.
Bonus Incentives
Our way of rewarding YOU for your commitment!
JOB PURPOSE:
The JDC Intake Officer is responsible for the secure, lawful, and orderly admission of youth at the assigned facility. This position ensures each youth is properly received, identified, searched, documented, and oriented in accordance with state laws, agency policies, and facility procedures. The Intake Officer plays a critical role in maintaining facility safety, safeguarding youth rights, and ensuring accurate intake records while coordinating with courts, law enforcement, medical staff, and other facility personnel to support appropriate placement and supervision decisions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Facilitates the intake and release process for youth admitted to and discharged from the secure facility.
Ensures all admission, transfer, and release procedures are completed accurately and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Reviews, verifies, and processes intake documentation, court orders, legal records, and related paperwork to ensure compliance with agency policy and procedures.
Conducts intake screenings to identify immediate safety, security, medical, mental health, or special needs concerns; perform authorized youth searches (including body scanner, pat frisk, and strip searches) in accordance with agency policy; and coordinates referrals to appropriate facility staff and service providers.
Maintains accurate and confidential records of intake activities, youth information, property inventories, medications, and funds received; ensures all items are properly documented, secured, and accounted for in accordance with agency procedures.
Responds to and coordinates radio and phone communications, ensuring timely and accurate information flow.
Effectively observes, reports, and responds to security concerns while adhering to established facility policies and procedures.
Provides overall support to facility operations.
Perform other job-related duties and tasks as assigned by the supervisor to further support the agency's mission and values.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Ability to learn state laws/institutional rules/regulations/requirements for the control of youth/Child Abuse Statutes.
Ability to learn the purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.
Ability to learn various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in various activities.
Interpersonal skills, patience and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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 in a mature and professional way and in accordance with training.
Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory working relationships with fellow employees/families/general public.
Ability to maintain safety and security according to policy and training.
Ability to follow a daily schedule, be accountable to the facility processes, document events and activities, and supervise multiple youths effectively.
SPECIAL & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Experience supervising, mentoring, or interacting with at-risk youth.
Additional Comments
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
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 will 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 I will accept an initial duty and workday/shift assignment, which may be changed to meet the needs of SCDJJ. If selected for this position, are you available to rotate shifts, i.e. nights, days, weekends, holidays, on-call?
02
I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the position requirements, training requirements and physical demands of this job. I agree that I can perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
03
I understand that there will be at least a four-week initial training period for this position that will take place during the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm. I also understand that once the initial training is completed, I will be assigned to 12 -hour shifts based on the needs of the agency.
04
Are you willing to undergo a background investigation that may include, but is not limited to, checks of criminal records, driver's license status, and the child abuse registry?
05
Are you willing to undergo a physical examination, medical evaluation, and drug screening as part of the hiring process?
06
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense on or after your 17th birthday? You must disclose this information under "Agency-Wide Questions #1 & #2," regardless of how long ago the conviction occurred, unless the record has been legally expunged. This includes offenses such as fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. Minor traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or seatbelt violations, may be omitted.Please note: A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment; each case is evaluated individually. However, failure to disclose convictions may be considered falsification of your application and could result in termination. It is your responsibility to know the contents of your criminal record. If you have questions about this requirement, please seek clarification before completing your application.If you have any misdemeanors or criminal offenses (felonies) to disclose, as described above, please provide details below. If not, please type "No" in the space provided.
07
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 .
08
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.
09
I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment.
10
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.
11
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".
12
How did you hear about this position?
13
If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
14
If you answered "Other" to the previous question, please tell us how you learned of this position.
15
Do you have a high school diploma or a high school Diploma Equivalent (ex. GED, etc.)?
16
Do you have a valid driver's license?
17
Minimum Requirement: Are you 21 years of age or older?
18
Are you a U.S. citizen and if selected for employment, can you provide proof of citizenship?
19
Are you currently employed or have you previously been employed with SCDJJ?
20
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, when and what position?
21
Do you currently work for or have you previously worked for another state agency?
22
If your answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the agency and year(s) of employment.
23
Have you ever served in the military?
24
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.
25
Are you able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation?
26
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?
27
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.
28
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.
29
Please provide us with two (2) references. One (1) Professional reference and One (1) Personal reference (Non-Family Members). Please list name(s), phone number(s), and email address(es).
Required Question
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Security & Operations
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: JD35
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: 12-hour shift varies. The schedule is based on agency needs.
Pay Grade: LAW01
Hiring Range - Min.: $48,635.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at and follow your application status online.
Position Number:: , , , , , , , , , , , )
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Join the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice as an Intake Officer!
Are you ready for an exciting, rewarding career where you can make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth? Join the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) and help transform young lives while building a stronger, safer community.
NEW STARTING SALARY: $47,682
We are hiring Intake Officers to maintain safety and security at our Juvenile Detention Complex (JDC) :
- Juvenile Detention Complex (JDC): A centralized pre-trial detention facility serving juveniles from most of South Carolina's 46 counties.
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) 's mission is to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.
Open to ALL experience levels.
Our comprehensive training program equips new officers with skills in communication, de-escalation, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, first aid, report writing, and more. You'll learn from experienced trainers who prepare you for a meaningful career in corrections and law enforcement.
Bonus Incentives
Our way of rewarding YOU for your commitment!
JOB PURPOSE:
The JDC Intake Officer is responsible for the secure, lawful, and orderly admission of youth at the assigned facility. This position ensures each youth is properly received, identified, searched, documented, and oriented in accordance with state laws, agency policies, and facility procedures. The Intake Officer plays a critical role in maintaining facility safety, safeguarding youth rights, and ensuring accurate intake records while coordinating with courts, law enforcement, medical staff, and other facility personnel to support appropriate placement and supervision decisions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Facilitates the intake and release process for youth admitted to and discharged from the secure facility.
Ensures all admission, transfer, and release procedures are completed accurately and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Reviews, verifies, and processes intake documentation, court orders, legal records, and related paperwork to ensure compliance with agency policy and procedures.
Conducts intake screenings to identify immediate safety, security, medical, mental health, or special needs concerns; perform authorized youth searches (including body scanner, pat frisk, and strip searches) in accordance with agency policy; and coordinates referrals to appropriate facility staff and service providers.
Maintains accurate and confidential records of intake activities, youth information, property inventories, medications, and funds received; ensures all items are properly documented, secured, and accounted for in accordance with agency procedures.
Responds to and coordinates radio and phone communications, ensuring timely and accurate information flow.
Effectively observes, reports, and responds to security concerns while adhering to established facility policies and procedures.
Provides overall support to facility operations.
Perform other job-related duties and tasks as assigned by the supervisor to further support the agency's mission and values.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Ability to learn state laws/institutional rules/regulations/requirements for the control of youth/Child Abuse Statutes.
Ability to learn the purpose/methods/practices of secure facilities.
Ability to learn various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in various activities.
Interpersonal skills, patience and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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 in a mature and professional way and in accordance with training.
Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory working relationships with fellow employees/families/general public.
Ability to maintain safety and security according to policy and training.
Ability to follow a daily schedule, be accountable to the facility processes, document events and activities, and supervise multiple youths effectively.
SPECIAL & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Certification and Training :
- Must obtain certification in Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE) within 90 days of employment.
- Must achieve a minimum competency/proficiency exam score of 80% and demonstrate supervisory and teaching skills.
- Training will include Behavioral Management techniques such as Primary Restraint and Take Down procedures, on the job functions but not limited to handcuffing (hands extended behind back), prone positions (flat on stomach and back), Kicks and Strike Motions, Joint Manipulations, bending at the waist and torque motions. Lifting hands above the head, repeated breathing (inhaling/exhaling) techniques for CPR/First Aid/AED. Kneel on knees (together and individually) unsupported.
- Physical Demands :
- This position requires mobility and physical capability, including bending, lifting, kneeling (individually or together), and engaging in torque motions.
- Must respond to emergencies, including physically intervening and restraining youth in accordance with agency policy.
- Must walk and stand for extended periods, sit in a desk chair for up to eight hours, and visually distinguish subjects up to 75 yards away.
- Work may occur in extreme heat, cold, humidity, or inclement weather.
- Work Schedule :
- Required to work day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Must be available for mandatory overtime as needed to meet facility demands.
- Environmental and Equipment Requirements :
- Must maintain a valid state-issued driver's license and operate a motor vehicle safely.
- Wear protective equipment during emergencies or as required by agency policy.
- Job Duties Context :
- Performs tasks related to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
- Direct and indirect contact with youth is expected.
- Training relevant to all job duties will be provided.
- Supervision and Evaluation :
- Operates under the general supervision of a direct supervisor who provides daily and monthly reviews and conducts annual performance evaluations.
- Works independently on a limited basis while adhering to agency policies and guidelines.
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Experience supervising, mentoring, or interacting with at-risk youth.
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 will 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 I will accept an initial duty and workday/shift assignment, which may be changed to meet the needs of SCDJJ. If selected for this position, are you available to rotate shifts, i.e. nights, days, weekends, holidays, on-call?
- Yes
- No
02
I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the position requirements, training requirements and physical demands of this job. I agree that I can perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Yes
- No
03
I understand that there will be at least a four-week initial training period for this position that will take place during the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm. I also understand that once the initial training is completed, I will be assigned to 12 -hour shifts based on the needs of the agency.
- Yes
- No
04
Are you willing to undergo a background investigation that may include, but is not limited to, checks of criminal records, driver's license status, and the child abuse registry?
- Yes
- No
05
Are you willing to undergo a physical examination, medical evaluation, and drug screening as part of the hiring process?
- Yes
- No
06
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense on or after your 17th birthday? You must disclose this information under "Agency-Wide Questions #1 & #2," regardless of how long ago the conviction occurred, unless the record has been legally expunged. This includes offenses such as fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. Minor traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or seatbelt violations, may be omitted.Please note: A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment; each case is evaluated individually. However, failure to disclose convictions may be considered falsification of your application and could result in termination. It is your responsibility to know the contents of your criminal record. If you have questions about this requirement, please seek clarification before completing your application.If you have any misdemeanors or criminal offenses (felonies) to disclose, as described above, please provide details below. If not, please type "No" in the space provided.
07
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 .
- Yes
- No
08
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
09
I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment.
- Yes
- No
10
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
11
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".
12
How did you hear about this position?
- SC State Government Jobs Website
- Career Fair
- SC Works
- Social Media
- DJJ Employee
- Indeed.com
- Other
13
If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
14
If you answered "Other" to the previous question, please tell us how you learned of this position.
15
Do you have a high school diploma or a high school Diploma Equivalent (ex. GED, etc.)?
- Yes
- No
16
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
17
Minimum Requirement: Are you 21 years of age or older?
- Yes
- No
18
Are you a U.S. citizen and if selected for employment, can you provide proof of citizenship?
- Yes
- No
19
Are you currently employed or have you previously been employed with SCDJJ?
- Yes
- No
20
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, when and what position?
21
Do you currently work for or have you previously worked for another state agency?
- Yes
- No
22
If your answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the agency and year(s) of employment.
23
Have you ever served in the military?
- Yes
- No
24
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.
25
Are you able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation?
- Yes
- No
26
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
27
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.
28
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
29
Please provide us with two (2) references. One (1) Professional reference and One (1) Personal reference (Non-Family Members). Please list name(s), phone number(s), and email address(es).
Required Question
Intake Officer - JDC in columbia at Unknown Company
This position is listed as contract and onsite.