Salary: $49,000.00 - $58,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 160261
Agency: Department of Mental Health-Public Safety
Division: Public Safety
Opening Date: 01/12/2024
Closing Date: 4/30/2024 5:00 PM Eastern
Class Code:: JC20
Position Number:: 600000000
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Normal work schedule will be discussed at interview.
Pay Band: Band 5
Hiring Range - Min.: $49,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $58,000.00
Opening Date: 01/12/2024
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply on-line at www.careers.sc.gov. Follow the status of your application on-line.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.
Positions are in various locations (Columbia, SC/Richland County) within the Department of Mental Health, Public Safety Division, Columbia, SC 29203.
Uncertified candidates starting salary: Minimum: $49,000.00
Certified Officers Class One: Minimum: $50,000.00 plus experience, education and training
As a Public Safety Officer, you will patrol assigned areas to prevent crime and detect violations of law. Responds to complaints, reports of violations and requests for assistance.
Responsibilities include but are not limed to:

• You will issue warnings and citations to violators.
• Apprehends and arrests violators.
• Provides a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees.
• Investigates traffic accidents; directs traffic and controls crowds.
• Performs general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in vehicles and employees searches, be on alert for suspicious activities, drugs, thefts, contraband, and patient abuse.
• Enforces traffic rules, regulations, and issues warnings, summons tickets, prepares written reports of all incidents and occurrences.
• Testifies in court and other legal proceedings.
• Keeps records and makes reports regarding activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and needed.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Requirements : A high school diploma and ability to meet the requirement of Certification with the Criminal Justice Academy 12 weeks training as mandated by 23-23-40 within first twelve months of employment. A degree may be substituted for the work experience.
Agency Requirements : Currently Certified as a Law Enforcement Officer (graduated 12 weeks Criminal Justice Academy in South Carolina, mandated by 23-23-40.
One (1) year as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer with knowledge of SC Laws, or MP (former Military Police) or minimum one year in corrections, security, or law enforcement .
You must pass pre-employment drug test, a psychological assessment and a physical to meet employment requirements. Have considerable knowledge of State Laws, rules, and regulations of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.
Candidates must meet the 20/20 vision standards or no more than 20/100 corrected to 20/20. Candidates must also be capable of distinguishing, without corrections three colors: green, yellow and red.
Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.
Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
Additional Comments

Employment in this position will be contingent upon the following: an acceptable review of your past employment history, personal references, cumulative sanction report, other sources, including, but not limited to, the criminal reference check which will be conducted by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health Public Safety Division; and receiving a clearance from the Child Registry Check that indicates no record of child abuse or neglect. Employment would also be contingent on your passing a pre-employment drug test.
We reserve the right to rescind any employment offer in the event our review of your background develops information including opinions of previous employers or colleagues, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex - including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

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

Are you available and willing to rotate shifts as assigned. I fully realize I may be asked to work additional hours for emergencies as needed.

• No
• Yes

02

Are you currently a certified law enforcement officer?

• Yes
• No

03

In the last 5 years, have you tried or used any illegal drugs?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you ever been arrested/convicted of a criminal offense (other than for minor traffic violations)?

• Yes
• No

05

Indicate your highest level of education.

• GED
• High School Diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD
• Juris Doctor

06

Do you possess at a minimum (1) one year of direct law enforcement experience? If yes, please name the employer(s).
07

Are you currently employed with SC Dept. of Mental Health?

• Yes
• No

08

This is a Law Enforcement position which requires you to be a certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer. If you have not already, you are required to attend the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for twelve (12) weeks to become a certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer. You will be required to carry a firearm, conduct investigations, make arrests, and testify in court as needed. Are you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• no

09

Please summarize what integrity means to you.
10

Are you a Class I Certified Law Enforcement Officer in South Carolina?

• Yes
• No

11

Does your Driving Record indicate/show clear of any violations, suspensions, reportable accidents, numerous speeding violation/convictions, in the last 5 years as a result of alcoholic beverage or dangerous drug violation, or leaving the scene of an accident. The overall driving record will be evaluated with emphasis on the severity, habitual offenses, date and age, time span, and number of violations accumulated.

• Yes
• No

12

Candidates must meet the 20/20 vision standards or no more than 20/100 corrected to 20/20 and be able to disguish, without corrections, three colors, green, yellow and red. I have fully read and understand that my vision standards meets the requirement for training. Also, that I may be disqualified if I do not meet the requirements.

• Yes
• No

13

For background purposes, please give your full date of birth in DD/MM/YY format.
Required Question