Youth Engagement Specialist – MEDC Position Available In Richland, South Carolina

Youth Engagement Specialist – MEDC 2.9 2.9 out of 5 stars Richland County, SC Job Responsibilities 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 Specialist is an essential position that supports the overall rehabilitative mission of SCDJJ by promoting positive youth development and supporting the agency’s behavior management system through direct engagement and relationship building. This role provides individualized support to youth through crisis intervention, behavioral de-escalation, and facilitation of psychoeducational and skill building groups. The Youth Engagement Specialist works collaboratively with facility staff to reinforce pro social behaviors, foster emotional regulation, and create a safe supportive environment that encourages growth and accountability.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides direct behavioral de-escalation, re-direction, and intervention to youth who demonstrate uncooperative, maladaptive, undesirable, and disruptive behavior. Documents interventions accurately and with appropriate timeframes. Builds trusting and consistent relationships with youth. Implements, promotes, and supports the agency’s behavior management system. Facilitates and participates in multidisciplinary meetings that result in clearly documented action steps, support youths progress, and ensure treatment plans are responsive to behavioral needs. Conducts structured group activities/sessions and psychoeducational sessions that build emotional regulation, communication, and decision-making skills. Monitors the quality and consistency of activities/sessions by conducting informal fidelity checks, collecting youth feedback, and making real time adjustments to content and delivery methods. Collaborates with the Facility Program Manager and area leadership to share findings and support continuous program improvement. Performs other assigned duties as required or directed to support the branch or the agency. Minimum and Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor’s degree in guidance, counseling, or the social sciences and professional experience in human services or social services programs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must possess foundational knowledge of behavior management practices, youth development, and trauma informed care. They must demonstrate the ability to engage and motivate justice involved youth through strength base and restorative approaches. Entry level competence requires the use of effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, active listening, and culturally responsive engagement strategies. The employee must be skilled in de-escalation techniques, behavior redirection, and group facilitation. They should have the ability to model appropriate behavior, manage group dynamics, and promote pro social skills through structured programming. Strong documentation skills are essential along with the ability to observe, assess, and communicate behavior and engagement in an objective and professional manner. Certification in Trauma -Informed Care, Cultural Competency, or Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is preferred. 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 will have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided. Travel throughout the state is possible. Must be able to walk and lift 25lbs. Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, education, human development, sociology, counseling or rehabilitative counseling or related social science field and (one) 1 year experience working with youth in a residential or secure setting or with at risk or justice involved youth. Must have experience with behavior management practices, de-escalation and motivational techniques for youth. Must be certified as a juvenile correctional officer within three (3) months of hire. 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.