As a Charleston County Detention Deputy, assigned to the Juvenile Detention Center, you will work with court-involved youth in a secure twenty-four hour detention setting. 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 residents and in the community. As a Detention Deputy, you must be able to interact with all residents in a fair, firm, compassionate, and consistent manner while reinforcing behavior expectations. Duties include, but are not limited to: performing security, safety, and custodial care of residents; completing intake and releasing procedures; coordinating transportation for residents to court or medical appointments as needed; providing guidance, care, and support to residents; and responding to crisis situations in a safe and effective manner. Detention Deputies receive an excellent starting salary of $46,373 – $65,391 (12.25-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, vision, dental and life insurance as well as 10 observed county holidays and 7 vacation days a year. Uniforms are provided.

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.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY, 9/1/24

No prior experience is necessary, however, prior work-related experience will be considered in the hiring process. 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 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 is performed on a 12.25-hour rotating shift. Work periods, schedules and assignments 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 be process will be notified by email.

REQUIREMENTS: A qualified applicant must (1) be a Citizen of the United States over 21 years of age; (2) possess a high school diploma (from an accredited school) or GED; (3) have a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a South Carolina one upon acceptance of the position; (4) have no criminal convictions; (5) have excellent communications skills (verbal and written); (6) have the ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies; (7) ability to prepare clear and concise reports (8) have the ability to exercise authority with firmness and impartiality and (9) have the ability to exercise compassion when dealing with residents. 

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.