Youth Engagement Coordinator

About the Role

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) invites passionate individuals committed to positively impacting youth lives to apply for the Youth Engagement Coordinator position. This role focuses on designing, implementing, and documenting recreational, wellness, and engagement programs within secure juvenile facilities to foster youth development, pro-social behavior, and emotional well-being.

Mission

SCDJJ aims to transform young lives, support families, and enhance community safety through focused prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement structured programming strictly adhering to the master schedule, ensuring timely initiation and completion while maintaining youth engagement without unplanned idle times.
• Supervise youth actively during all activities by setting clear expectations, reinforcing structure, and promptly managing behavior to maintain a safe, controlled environment.
• Create and lead trauma-informed recreation and wellness activities that support physical health, emotional regulation, and skill development appropriately tailored to youth developmental levels.
• Develop monthly programming calendars, promotional materials, and incentive systems to boost youth participation and encourage positive behaviors, ensuring their visibility across all units.
• Maintain full oversight over all programming equipment, spaces, and documentation, facilitating smooth transitions and compliance with facility protocols.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support division priorities, emergency responses, special projects, or evolving operational needs within security and operations.

Minimum and Additional Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with relevant experience in program delivery.
• Familiarity with wellness programming encompassing physical, emotional, and behavioral health.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and youth development methodologies.
• Competence in facilitating structured group activities and managing behavior through de-escalation strategies.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to follow schedules meticulously, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working within secure juvenile justice settings involving custody and control responsibilities.
• Physical capability to be mobile, bend, lift up to 25 lbs., intervene physically when required according to agency protocols, and withstand various working conditions including extreme weather.
• Successful completion of Behavioral Management training, including restraint and emergency response techniques, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, and maintaining certifications under Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physical education, recreation, or related field alongside relevant experience with at-risk youth in structured environments.
• Completion and maintenance of all required departmental training courses, including CLEE certification within six months of employment.

Benefits

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Fifteen days of annual vacation leave and fifteen days of sick leave per year
• Thirteen paid holidays annually
• Participation in state retirement and deferred compensation plans
• Discount programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Additional Information

Applicants must fully complete supplemental education and work history sections; incomplete applications will not be considered. Certified transcripts are required for degree-related positions. The hiring process includes background investigations (criminal, driver’s license, child abuse registry), medical exams, and drug testing. Applicants should provide explanations for employment gaps. Resumes can accompany applications but do not replace work history sections.