As a Charleston County Detention Deputy, you will join an outstanding team responsible for protecting the public by providing care and custody of residents housed within the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. This important position will not only enhance your communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills, but will also give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of detainees and in the community.

The primary function of this position is to ensure the security and safety within the Detention environment using direct supervision and related methods with considerable leeway granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. In this position you will conduct interviews and assess the needs of residents and provide general case management while detained. Assessments may generate referrals to group treatment, reentry support services, job training/search, housing, benefits and other internal or local services. You will report directly to your supervisor but work closely with the Case Management Supervisor and the Resident Programs Coordinator (Education) to assist and provide residents with learning new skills, gaining confidence and becoming active participants in the community. The shift hours are flexed between 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (8 & 8.5-hour days), on an 84-hour pay period. Days off are generally Saturday and Sunday, but case load shall dictate adjustments as necessary. This position is subject to scheduled mandatory overtime and emergencies (natural or civil).

As a Detention Deputy, you will have the ability to work on a variety of specialized teams throughout the Detention Center and court system including: Booking; Identification; Classification; Emergency Response Team (ERT); Transportation; Court Detention; Juvenile Detention Center; and Central Control. 

Detention Deputies receive an excellent starting salary of $45,427 - $53,791.92 (8-hr day) (based on related experience and education). Detention Deputies are vested in the S.C. Police Retirement Plan after only eight (8) years of service. Other benefits include health, dental and life insurance as well as 10 observed county holidays and 7 vacation days a year. Uniforms are provided.

Once trained and certified by the SC Criminal Justice Academy, Detention Deputies may be assigned to perform collateral duties on Underwater Recovery, Rural Search and Rescue, Civil Disturbance Support, Project Lifesaver, and Honor Guard squads.

Eligible Veterans – Our Detention Deputy program has been approved by the VA for the GI Bill. We will assist eligible veterans in applying for their GI Bill benefit.

SALARY RANGE: HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $20.80 - $24.63
Applicants who have applied within one (1) year of this advertisement are not eligible to re-apply. Applicants selected to process will be notified by email. OPEN UNTIL SUNDAY 06/02/2024 – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

REQUIREMENTS: A qualified applicant must (1) be a Citizen of the United States over 18 years of age; (2) be a certified Detention Deputy with 7 years’ detention/corrections experience and knowledge of classification, programs, and courts; OR possess a bachelor’s degree or higher (from an accredited school) in Human Services, Social Work or a related field; OR a combination of education and related experience (3) have a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a South Carolina one upon acceptance of the position; and (4) have no criminal convictions. 

Physical attributes include but are not limited to: physical strength and agility with freedom from disabling defect; ability to pursue on foot and physically restrain residents when necessary; ability to lift and/or move heavy objects and/or persons during rescue activities and cognitive ability to exercise independent judgement and initiative.

Applicants meeting the minimum criteria must submit to and successfully complete all phases of the hiring process including: a tour of the detention facility; the Nelson-Denny Vocabulary and Reading Examination; completion of an applicant questionnaire; a two-phase background investigation; a credit check; a polygraph examination; a psychological evaluation; an interview and a pre-employment physical examination. There is a one-year probationary period and all Detention Deputies serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff of Charleston County. In addition, all candidates must successfully complete the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Detention course of instruction within the first year of employment. Work periods or schedules are established as required by Federal law, departmental workloads, and organizational needs. This position may be required to work overtime in order to meet or maintain departmental operations. This position is also required to work some weekends, evenings, holidays, and during natural disasters. Applicants who have applied within one (1) year of this advertisement are not eligible to re-apply. Applicants selected to process will be notified by email.