Demo

Counselor I - The Pines

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/28/2026
Job Responsibilities

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

MISSION: It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Job Purpose

Under limited supervision, assists in providing general supervision, guidance, and instruction to youth in a community-based program setting.

Job Responsibilities

Conducts training groups in a manner the youth can comprehend in efforts to utilize the materials to make life changing decisions while assisting co-facilitator to build their skills through the co-affiliation process.

Creates and implements' individualized plans to encourage engagement, reduce absenteeism and improve retention.

Monitors and enforces attendance protocols.

Provides guidance and structure to the youth to ensure safety and consistency for all enrolled in the center.

Provides appropriate documentation supporting the activities provided for the youth.

Tracks and maintains assigned youths' progress with education to include the G.E.D. or diploma track.

Provides resources for education, job/career readiness, transportation, finance counseling and appropriate hygiene skills etc.

Completes weekly summary reports of assigned youth.

Reports shall be emailed to the youth's Case Manager by the Monday of the following week and uploaded in JJMS by Wednesday of the following week.

Maintains frequent communication with the youth's guardian/parent regarding the youth's successes, challenges, and needs.

Secures a community service spot for youth with community service hours obligations.

Enrolls appropriate youth in the agency's Earn & Return program.

Cultivates working relationships with community service providers, educational partners, workforce agencies, and internal SCDJJ areas to support wraparound services for youth enrolled at the center.

Serves as a support to the student by teaching skills, role modeling and directing the students.

Accompanies students on outings to purchase groceries, recreational activities as a trainer/teacher, offering independent living skills to the students.

Functions independently; facilitates ideas for the environment and works independently in this setting ensuring daily schedules are met timely and efficiently.

Maintains programming ensuring the schedule is adhered to in a timely manner. Thus, allowing the youth to meet and exceed in the outlined curriculum, shares and demonstrates sound judgment with the youth, their peers in actions and communication.

Performs Other Related Job Duties As Assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma and relevant human service experience or social service experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirements

Requires considerable knowledge of state laws, community-based programing, and the ability to exercise good judgment and initiative in a variety of situations.

Must have the ability to communicate effectively with youthful offenders, department personnel, and the general public.

Demonstrate skills in First Aid, CPR, and Fire Safety Procedures.

Must have knowledge of trauma-informed prevention and management of aggressive behavior.

Must have the ability to complete the required Basic Training Program of the Agency.

Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

This position requires flexible hours for coverage for some evenings / days as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and experience in various methods of instructing, handling, and the supervision of youth in a variety of activities.

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 may 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.

Salary.com Estimation for Counselor I - The Pines in Columbia, SC
$49,004 to $61,052
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