Salary: $79,600.00 - $143,300.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 190583
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Security & Operations
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 7/28/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: AH50
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $118,270.00

Job Responsibilities
JOB PURPOSE:
The Associate Deputy provides executive-level leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for multiple secure juvenile facilities, ensuring safe, secure, and rehabilitative environments for youth. The Associate Deputy supervises Facility Administrators, drives operational consistency, ensures compliance with applicable laws and standards (e.g., PREA), and advances agency goals through effective management of staff, programs, resources, and critical incident response.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directs and oversees the operation of multiple secure youth facilities to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of youth, staff, and visitors.

Establishes operational priorities, implements agency initiatives, and ensures consistent application of policies, procedures, and performance standards across all assigned facilities.

Provides direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to Facility Administrators.

Establishes accountability measures, monitors operational outcomes, supports leadership development, and ensures facility leadership teams effectively manage staff, resources, and youth services.

Monitors and evaluates facility compliance with applicable federal and state laws, agency policies, PREA standards, accreditation requirements, and other regulatory mandates.

Directs corrective actions, oversees audits and inspections, and promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Provides executive-level oversight and direction during critical incidents, emergencies, disturbances, escapes, serious youth misconduct, and other high-risk events.

Ensures timely response, coordination of resources, after-action reviews, and implementation of corrective measures to enhance facility safety and operational readiness.

Analyzes operational data, performance metrics, staffing needs, budget utilization, and program outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Leads strategic initiatives that enhance facility effectiveness, improves youth outcomes, optimizes resource allocation, and supports the agency's mission and long-term objectives.

Performs other related job duties as required to support agency operations and strategic priorities.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires comprehensive knowledge of juvenile justice systems, secure facility operations, and youth rehabilitation models, as well as an understanding of adolescent development, trauma informed care, and behavior intervention strategies.

The role demands familiarity with applicable federal and state regulations, including PREA requirements and youth rights standards, along with knowledge of program evaluation, quality assurance, and performance management systems.

The employee must demonstrate skill in strategic planning and program development, leadership and team building across multiple facilities, and the ability to analyze data and monitor performance outcomes.

Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills are essential, as is the ability to resolve conflict and make sound decisions in high stress environments.

The position further requires the ability to lead multi site operations while aligning program delivery with agency goals, translate policy into practice to ensure consistent implementation, build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, drive accountability while maintaining a rehabilitative and youth centered approach, and effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic operational environment.

Work is primarily conducted in an office and secure facility environment and requires prolonged sitting, regular computer use, and effective verbal and written communication.

The position also requires the ability to lift up to five (5) pounds, navigate secure facilities, and operate standard office equipment.

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.

A valid driver's license and the ability to travel between facilities may be required.

All required training will be provided in accordance with agency policy and applicable ADA guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Administration or a related field with a minimum of seven (7) years in senior management or administrative leadership role. Demonstrated experience in program development, policy implementation and staff supervision.
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.
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

Have you or any members of your family ever been a victim of a crime committed by a juvenile who is currently under the supervision of SCDJJ? If yes, type in "Yes" and give your last name of the juvenile, date, and location of trial. If no, please type "No".
07

Are you currently employed or have you previously been employed with SCDJJ?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you ever served in the military?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the branch and dates of service. Be prepared to provide a DD214 for each period of service.
10

Do you currently or have you ever worked in or have been professionally associated with a prison, jail, lock, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. a7 1997?

• Yes
• No

11

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.
12

Are you able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you at least 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

14

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you a U.S. citizen and if selected for employment, can you provide proof of citizenship?

• Yes
• No

16

How did you hear about this position?

• Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
• Career Fair
• Sc Works
• Indeed.com
• DJJ Employee
• Other

17

If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
18

If you answered "Other", please tell us how you learned of this position.
19

Do you have a bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience?

• Yes
• No

20

Do you have a minimum of seven (7) years in a senior management or administrative leadership role?

• Yes
• No

21

I understand that any misrepresentation, omission of facts, or otherwise falsification on this application and attachments will result in disapproval of this application or termination of employment.

• Yes
• No

22

Please provide us with two (2) references. One (1) professional reference and one (1) personal reference (non-family member). Please list name(s), phone number(s), and email address(es).
Required Question