Salary: $52,357.00 – $96,869.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE – Full-Time
Job Number: 150202
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Legal Services
Opening Date: 06/06/2023
Closing Date: 6/21/2023 5:00 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: AE30
Position Number:: 60032807 (150202)
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 5:00)
Pay Band: Band 7
Hiring Range – Min.: $65,000.00
Opening Date: 05/31/2023
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at www.careers.sc.gov, and follow the status of your application online.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
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 South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
About Us
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 the direction of General Counsel, the Staff Attorney assists in representing the Department. This position primarily supports the Department by providing training, legal assistance, advice and guidance on legal and policy questions to its employees. Also assists outside stakeholders (court personnel/sister agencies) with questions regarding DJJ, coordinates with outside counsel on litigation matters, assists in providing legal advice to managers related to employment actions, assists in responding to records requests/FOIA requests, reviews agency policies for compliance with state/federal law, and assists with compliance with state law regarding expungement of juvenile records.
Job Duties:
Supports DJJ employees by providing legal advice and guidance on legal and policy questions. Responds to questions from Judges, Solicitors, Defense Counsel, and stakeholders regarding the juvenile system and DJJ. Conducts training on legal issues for DJJ employees and others. Assists with the agency’s compliance with state law regarding expungement of juvenile records.
Consults with and provides legal advice to DJJ supervisors regarding actions issued pursuant to DJJ’s Employee Progressive Discipline Policy and Employee Performance Management System Policy, to include assisting in representation of DJJ at the agency level and before administrative bodies (State HRD/ALC) when such actions are grieved/appealed. Assists in representing DJJ on employment-related matters before courts and administrative tribunals, to include DEW and SHAC/EEOC.
Reviews department policy and procedures to ensure consistency with federal and state laws and regulations. Assists in evaluating potential federal and state legislation so that the Office of General Counsel can advise management on the potential effects of proposed legislation on DJJ. Drafts proposed statutory language implementing the agency’s legislative agenda.
Assists in the coordination with outside counsel on lawsuits filed against the Department, to include document production and witness preparation. Assists in coordinating the agency’s response to FOIA requests. Responds to records requests from attorneys, including those related to potential legal claims against the Department.
Organizes, conducts, and assists with special assignments and projects as directed.
Performs other job related duties as assigned.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Agency Requirements: This position requires a juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney. The candidate must also be a member of the South Carolina Bar.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Experience in employment law from a state agency perspective or juvenile justice law/practice in SC.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations and of general case, statutory and common laws.
Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance.
Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions, analyze facts, and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically.
Effective verbal, written and analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Pro.
Additional information
Employee may have direct and indirect contact with juvenile residents and must be able to converse with diverse staff on a multitude of topics.
Limited travel, including overnight travel, required.
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.
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
- Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position. Salary may vary depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates must present documentation of their attainment of college degree(s) at the time of interview. Documentation must be either an official or unofficial copy of the college transcript or Letter of Verification of Degree from the institution’s Registrar’s Office. If the candidate selected for the position provided an unofficial copy, it must be replaced with an official copy on or before the HR processing date.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Comments
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 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 with 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 while entering, leaving, or while on SCDJJ property, my personal vehicle may be searched. Possession of contraband or refusing to submit to such search is grounds of disciplinary action up to and including termination. I further understand that any employee furnishing a DJJ juvenile client with contraband is subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
- Yes
- No
02
I will provide a written report confidentially to the Office of Human Resources Director, and a copy to my Executive Manager (Deputy Director, Associate Deputy Director, Inspector General) of all arrests, convictions, Child Abuse and Neglect Registry, and loss of SC Driver’s License within 72 hours of their occurrence. Minor traffic violations need not be reported. Convictions such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are serious violations and therefore must be reported.
- Yes
- No
03
I understand that I will be working in a rehabilitative, correctional setting and a degree of personal risk is involved. The agency will provide an orientation to this rehabilitative, correctional setting.
- Yes
- No
04
SC State law prohibits the employing of individuals for positions for which a family member supervises or manages. Family member means an individual who is the employee’s spouse, parent, brother, sister, child, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, a child residing in the employee’s household, or an individual claimed by the employee or the employee’s spouse as a dependent for income tax purposes. If selected for this position I understand my employment cannot be in violation of SC State Law.
- Yes
- No
05
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
06
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 has 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
07
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 in any other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability or national origin. Any acts you feel are in violation please contact the Office of Human Resources, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC (803) 896-5600. The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice’s School District also does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of 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
08
Are you currently a South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Employee?
- Yes
- No
09
How did you hear about this position?
- SC Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
- Career Fair
- SC Works
- Indeed.com
- Radio Advertisement
- DJJ Employee
- Other
10
If you answered “DJJ Employee” to the previous question please list employee’s name.
11
I understand that a background investigation will be conducted and that DJJ will give consideration to all law violated as indicating a lack of good character. DJJ will also give consideration to my prior history, if any, of alcohol and drug abuse in arriving at a determination of good character.
- Yes
- No
12
I understand that I must possess and maintain a valid SC driver’s license, with no record during the previous 5 years for suspension of driver’s license as a result of driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, driving while impaired (or the equivalent), reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, or leaving the scene of an accident.
- Yes
- No
13
Are you at least 21 years old?
- Yes
- No
14
Do you have a juris doctor degree or its equivalent form an accredited law school?
- Yes
- No
15
Do you have experience as a practicing attorney?
- Yes
- No
16
Are you a member of the South Carolina Bar and in good standing?
- YES
- No
Required Question