Law Enforcement Officer II (Columbia)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Law Enforcement Officer II, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities for the Law Enforcement Officer II:

• Issue warnings and citations to violators 
• Apprehend and arrests violators
• Provide a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees
• Investigate traffic accidents, direct traffic and control crowds
• Perform general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in vehicles and employee searches, be on alert for suspicious activities, drugs, thefts, contraband, and patient abuse
• Enforce traffic rules, regulations, and issue warnings, summons tickets, prepare written reports of all incidents and occurrences
• Testify in court and other legal proceedings
• Keep records and make reports regarding activities

• A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.

• Must pass pre-employment drug test, a psychological assessment, background screening and a physical to meet employment requirements.
• 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.

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

Post Hire, employee must:

• Have considerable knowledge of State Laws, rules, and regulations of the South Carolina Department of Behavorial Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD). 

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

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 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Salary : $53,300 - $66,600