State of South Carolina
Richland County, South Carolina
Youth Engagement Coordinator
We tailor your resume to this role and apply for you in seconds.
Apply to Youth Engagement Coordinator at State of South CarolinaJob details
- Location
- Richland County, South Carolina
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $45,300 - $77,000/yr
- Posted
- today
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
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).
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:
The Youth Engagement Coordinator plans, implements, and documents structured recreation, wellness, and engagement programming that supports positive youth development within SCDJJ secure facilities. This role is responsible for creating a safe, structured, and predictable environment where youth are actively engaged in meaningful, trauma-informed activities that reduce idle time and promote pro-social behavior. The Youth Engagement Coordinator leads the development of monthly programming calendars, incentive-based activities, and recreational offerings that align with the master schedule and agency expectations. Through consistent structure, engagement, and accountability, this position plays a critical role in improving facility culture, increasing youth participation, and supporting emotional well-being and rehabilitation outcomes.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Executes all assigned programming in strict alignment with the master schedule, ensuring activities are initiated and completed on time while maintaining continuous structure, movement, and engagement for youth with no unplanned idle time.
Maintains constant active supervision and facilitates direct youth engagement during all programming by setting clear expectations, reinforcing structure, and immediately redirecting behaviors to ensure a safe, controlled, and consistent environment.
Designs and facilitates structured, trauma-informed recreation and wellness programming that supports physical health, emotional regulation, and skill development while ensuring activities are intentional, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
Develops and manages monthly programming calendars, activity flyers, and incentive systems to promote youth engagement, reinforce positive behavior, and ensures clear visibility of programming across units.
Maintains full operational control, safety, and accountability of all programming materials, activity spaces, and documentation while ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with all facility expectations.
Performs additional duties as directed by the supervisor to support division priorities, emergency needs, special projects, or evolving operational requirements within Security and Operations.
Position Duties
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma and relevant program experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of wellness programming (physical, emotional, behavioral health).
Understanding of trauma-informed care and youth development principles.
Ability to facilitate structured activities and group sessions.
Knowledge of behavior management and de-escalation strategies.
Ability to engage and motivate youth in a structured environment.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to follow and implement the master schedule with fidelity.
Strong organization and time management skills.
Performs work within a secure facility relating to the custody, control and transportation or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with juveniles within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Position is not sedentary; employees must be mobile and able to bend and lift, interact, and intervene with youth when applicable.
Must be able to respond physically to emergency situations including physically intervening and/or restraining youth according to agency policy.
Training applicable to these duties will be provided and will consist of physically and successfully completing the agency's selected Behavioral Management training which includes the Primary Restraint and Take Down techniques and on-the-job functions but not limited to: Handcuffing (hands extended behind back), prone positions (flat on stomach and/or back), Kicks and Strike Motions, Joint Manipulations, bending at the waist and torque motions. Lifting hands above the head, repeated breathing (inhaling/exhaling) techniques for CPR/First Aid/AED. Kneel on knees (together and individually) unsupported. Work in extreme heat/cold/ humidity/inclement weather; safely operate a motor vehicle to include having a valid state issued driver’s license. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. Walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, sit in a desk chair for up to eight hours per day at least 5-7 days per week, visually distinguish subjects at distances of up to 75 yards, wear protective equipment in case of emergencies.
Attend training and maintain certification required by the Continuing Law Enforcement Education (CLEE).
Minimum Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation or a related ?eld and relevant program experience. Experience working with at-risk youth in structured settings. Must attend, pass, and maintain all required DJJ training courses.
Special Requirement: Must be an officer in compliance with and certified under CLEE (Continuing Law Enforcement Education) within six (6) months of employment.
Other Qualifications
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
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.
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.
Supplemental Questions
01
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
02
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
03
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
04
I understand that my fingerprint record received from the FBI and SLED must indicate no felony convictions as a condition of employment.
- Yes
- No
05
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
06
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
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. § 1997?
- Yes
- No
08
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please list the institution(s) and your date(s) of employment.
09
Are you at least 21 years old?
- Yes
- No
10
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
11
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.?
- Yes
- No
12
Are you currently employed or have you previously been employed with SCDJJ?
- Yes
- No
13
Are you able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation?
- Yes
- No
14
How did you hear about this position?
- SC Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
- Career Fair
- SC Works
- Social Media
- Indeed.com
- DJJ Employee
- Other
15
If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
16
If you answered "Other" to the previous question, please tell us how you learned of this position.
17
Do you have a high school diploma and relevant program experience?
- Yes
- No
18
Do you have a bachelor's degree in in physical education, recreation or a related field?
- Yes
- No
19
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
20
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
Agency Information
EmployerState of South CarolinaAgency Department of Juvenile Justice Address P O Box 210694900 Broad River Road, Building 2007
Columbia, South Carolina, 29221-1069 Phone803-896-9440
Ready to apply to State of South Carolina?
We tailor your resume to this role and apply for you.