Training Instructor - Security & Operations

About the Role

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is seeking a dedicated Training Instructor specializing in Security and Operations. The goal of DJJ is to positively influence the lives of youth, strengthen families, and promote safer communities through focused prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, organize, and deliver training programs specifically for Security and Operations staff across all DJJ facilities.
• Assist in training direct care staff agency-wide as needed.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in employee training and participate as a member of the training and certification team.
• Utilize diverse training methods including virtual classrooms, face-to-face sessions, and eLearning platforms to meet agency requirements.
• Co-facilitate trainings across various program areas using adult learning principles, adapting approaches to participant needs.
• Maintain and submit accurate training records and documentation.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with participants, co-facilitators, training managers, and program personnel.
• Manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and adhere to deadlines.
• Perform quality assurance by evaluating training effectiveness and compliance with standards in instructional content, juvenile correctional best practices, and workforce development.
• Recommend and implement improvements based on feedback and project requirements.
• Pursue continuous professional development, maintain specialized trainer competencies, and obtain/renew relevant instructor certifications, including behavioral management techniques.
• Support additional duties as assigned to promote the division's goals.
• Travel within the state may be required to facilitate training sessions.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is mandatory coupled with relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and training methods.
• Experience conducting formal and informal training sessions and leading group discussions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective workplace relationships.
• Critical thinking skills to analyze training needs and propose viable solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
• Capability to work collaboratively within a training team and coordinate with division managers.
• Physical capability to perform duties involving physical interventions such as handcuffing, prone positioning, bending, lifting, kneeling, and extended periods of standing or sitting.
• Must handle routine travel and maintain certifications such as First Aid/CPR/AED and agency-specific restraint techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience in employee training, instructional design, or curriculum management.
• Completion of Detention Basic training at SC Criminal Justice Academy and DJJ's Training of Trainers within nine months of employment.
• Maintenance of instructor certifications for behavioral management, including primary restraint and takedown techniques.

Additional Information

• The position involves responsibilities related to custody, control, transportation, and recapture of youth and may have direct or indirect contact with juveniles under DJJ jurisdiction.
• All trainings related to job duties will be provided by the agency.
• A thorough background check, medical exam, and drug screening are prerequisites for employment.
• Applicants must complete all supplemental questions, education, and work history sections for consideration.
• The agency offers a comprehensive benefits package including public service loan forgiveness, employee assistance programs, health and life insurance, paid leave, holidays, retirement plans, and various discount programs.