Criminal Investigator

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

Under general supervision by the Criminal Investigations Lieutenant, conducts criminal and administrative investigations as assigned, and assists in ensuring the overall safety of the agency.

Job Responsibilities

Investigates both criminal and administrative cases.

Obtains and develops evidence and secures information for use in appropriate proceedings by conducting interrogations of suspects, victims and witnesses.

Prepares necessary investigative reports of factual findings.

Maintains case records, including, but not limited to, hard case files.

Ensures and maintains a high level of credibility, confidentiality, integrity and professionalism at all times.

As directed by the Director of Public Safety and/or Inspector General confers with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies related to inquiries and requests for information; coordinates joint investigations.

As required, works with various levels of court administrations as well as solicitor's offices on a statewide basis related to DJJ Investigations and prosecution of defendants/respondents, prepares accurate reports, testifies to related findings regarding criminal cases, thus must have concise, concrete and comprehensive oral and written skills.

Reports and testifies to regulating boards concerning professional licenses when violations are alleged.

Process minor crime scenes to collect evidence and/or property related to their case appropriately to include correct labeling and packaging for reference and identification purposes.

Maintains the evidence in a manner that ensures security from loss, theft and/or contamination.

Ensures proper chain of custody of all items along with applicable documentation.

Ensures documentation, processing and tracking of evidence for submission to evidence room.

Ensure Primary Evidence Technician is informed of evidence collection and handling to ensure Agency’s policy adherence.

Assisting when directed in patrolling assigned areas to prevent crime and detect violations of law.

Responds to complaints, reports of violations and requests for assistance.

Performs general police work such as maintaining order during emergencies, participating in manhunts and transporting youth/subjects.

Issues warnings and citations to violators.

Attends training sessions to maintain Class I certification as prescribed by SC Code-Chapter 23.

Maintains the ability to physically perform job duties as a Class I Law Enforcement Officer.

Performs all other job-related duties as requested by the Inspector General or his or her designee.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required law enforcement experience.

Special Requirement: Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976.

Additional Requirements

General knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of modern police administration and police work.

Ability to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies.

Class I certification.

Under general supervision of the Criminal Investigations Lieutenant with annually scheduled performance reviews, formal conferences and meetings as required/requested in reviewing criminal cases assigned by the Criminal Investigations Director.

Investigators will be expected to manage their time, use of resources and caseload to meet Unit's Standard Operating Procedures.

Must be able to sit for prolonged periods be able to operate various office equipment and computers; be able to travel on an as needed basis; be able to work in an environment with incarcerated youth; be able to reach and bend.

As required by the Inspector General or Criminal Investigations Director investigator is required to be on-call 24/7 unless on approved leave.

Readily available to travel overnight by various means of transportation.

Performs all duties to obtain/ maintain the Class I certification.

This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youths within the jurisdiction of the SCDJJ, and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within DJJ jurisdiction. Training applicable will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma with three (3) years as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer, trained by the SC Criminal Justice Academy or out of state equivalent. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for required experience. Certification by the SC Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with State Statute-Section 23-23-40.

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

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

Have you ever served in the military?

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

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.

11

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No
  
  

13

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

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

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

• Yes
• No
  
  

15

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

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

How did you hear about this position?

• The State Jobs Website
• Career Fair
• Indeed.com
• SC Works
• DJJ Employee
• Other
  
  

17

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

18

Do you have a high school diploma and experience performing patrol or investigative duties with a public law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No
  
  

19

Have you served at least three (3) years as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer, trained by the SC Criminal Justice Academy or out of state equivalent?

• Yes
• No
  
  

20

Do you have a certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976?

• Yes
• No
  
  

21

Describe your experience conducting investigations or performing other law enforcement duties?

22

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
  
  

23

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