Psychologist I - Midlands Community Division

Salary: $77,400.00 - $139,300.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 190141
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Treatment & Support Services
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/15/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: GA80
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Work hours will be discussed during the interview.
Pay Grade: CLN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $102,583.00

Job Responsibilities
WE ARE EXPANDING OUR TEAM AND ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR:

PSYCHOLOGISTS LICENSED ($111,959)

LICENSED ELIGIBLE ($102,583)

POST-DOCTORAL RESIDENT ($102,583)
THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $10,000 SIGN-ON BONUS*

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).
We are recruiting Licensed and Licensed-eligible psychologists for our secure facilities and community division. If you are interested in a career in a forensic setting that specializes in evaluations of juvenile justice-involved youth undergoing court-ordered evaluations, as well as delivers evidence-based, informed, youth-centered therapeutic engagement, treatment, and rehabilitation, our secure facilities may be an ideal fit for new career psychologists.
If you have completed pre- or post-doctoral training and are interested in a youth population or making a career or geographical shift to beautiful South Carolina, consider South Carolina DJJ. We are a dynamic agency with a robust psychology staff with varied backgrounds/experience who offer a high-quality work environment and commitment to best practices in our field.
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:

Once licensed, under limited supervision, provides psychological services (primarily evaluation and consultation) for youth involved with SC Department of Juvenile Justice. Services are provided within an assigned geographical area of the state.
(Note: all work by unlicensed staff is supervised by licensed staff. Post-doctoral licensure supervision at the licensed psychologist level is provided.)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides evaluation services including clinical interviews with youth and family members, record reviews, consultations with DJJ County Office staff and other agencies involved with youth being evaluated.

Provides administration and interpretation of psychological tests and measures; prepares reports and provides expert testimony in Family Court as required by attorneys or judges.

Once licensed, conducts waiver evaluations, which must be conducted by doctoral level, licensed psychologists. (Note: status as licensed, pre-licensed, or post-doctoral resident should be reflected on % allocated to reflect ability to do this task.)

Participates in DJJ treatment planning and interagency staffing; consults in cases of youth with special needs (e.g. mental health or developmental issues); consults with DJJ County Office staff regarding problematic issues/cases.

Provides consultation to DJJ staff regarding youth involved with DJJ.

Attends to administrative matters, including relevant and/or mandatory trainings related to DJJ position.

Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A doctorate in applied psychology from an accredited college or university and experience in the practice of applied psychology.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Thorough knowledge of current psychological theory/practice and psychological evaluation/assessment techniques.

Ability to select/administer/interpret psychological tests and effectively communicate findings.

Ability to communicate effectively with juveniles, staff, relevant agencies, and the concerned public.

Excellent writing skills required.
Must be able to work in a secured facility setting as needed, as some evaluations are with incarcerated youth.

Must be mobile and able to lift 25 lbs.

Able to communicate effectively both orally and written.

Able to work varied hours.

Able to travel with some overnight stays.

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.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A doctoral degree in applied psychology from an APA-approved program in psychology and possession of a current license to practice psychology in the State of South Carolina or license eligibility within two years from the date of hire.

(Note: lack of licensure within the expected timeframe may impact employee status.)
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.
Sign-On Bonus: Agencies may give sign-on bonuses to individuals recruited to critical needs jobs at the beginning of their employment with the agency. Bonuses cannot be offered or given to employees moving from other agencies by transfer, promotion or demotion. Sign-on bonuses are limited to one per employee, per year.
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

Which category identifies your current status?

• Licensed
• Licensed-Eligible
• Post-Doctoral Resident

02

Do you have a doctorate in applied psychology from an accredited college or university and experience in the practice of applied psychology?

• Yes
• No

03

Is your doctoral degree in applied psychology from an APA approved program in psychology?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "No" to question #2, what is your expected date of doctoral degree conferral in applied psychology from an APA-accredited program?
05

Do you currently possess a license to practice psychology in the State of South Carolina or are you able to obtain licensure within two years?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have assessment experience in the practice of applied psychology?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience in the practice of applied psychology?

• Yes
• No

08

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

• Yes
• No

09

How did you hear about this position?

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

10

If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
11

If you answered "Other" to the previous question, please tell how you learned of this position.
12

I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity employer. DJJ does not discriminate in hiring, promotions, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, or other employment aspects based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. Any acts you feel are in violation, please get in touch with the Office of Human Resources, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC (803) 896-5607.

• Yes
• No

13

I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice's School District also does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The following offices have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the school district's nondiscrimination policies: Title IX - Inspector General's Office - 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210-5427 - Ph: 803-896-9595; Special Education Office, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC I have read and fully understand DJJ's position concerning the law.

• Yes
• No

14

I understand that SCDJJ will not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with residents and shall not enlist the services of any contractor who may have contact with residents who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997); has been convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.

• Yes
• No

15

I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment.

• Yes
• No

16

I certify that I have not been convicted of any criminal offenses that carries a sentence of 1 year or more or any criminal offenses that involves moral turpitude (an act contrary to the accepted rule of right and duty to man and society). Forfeiture of bond, a guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere is considered the equivalent of a conviction.

• Yes
• No

17

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".
18

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

19

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.
20

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.?

• Yes
• No

21

Are you at least 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

22

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

23

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