PREA Compliance Specialist

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 direct supervision of the Compliance Administrator the PREA Compliance Specialist is to ensure their correctional facility or agency fully complies with PREA standards and maintains a safe environment free from sexual abuse and harassment. The core purpose is to serve as the primary resource and subject matter expert on PREA. Acts as a liaison between facilities and external PREA auditors. Guides facility leadership on compliance requirements. Identifies and addresses potential vulnerabilities and develops prevention and response strategies. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Coordinates Compliance and Monitoring: Conducts regular facility assessments to evaluate PREA compliance, reviews policies, procedures, and physical plant for compliance gaps, documents findings and maintains detailed compliance records, develops corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified, monitors implementation of corrective measures, and prepares required documentation for external PREA audits. Monitors alternative placement sites for compliance at least annually.

Manages PREA Incident Response and Investigations: Coordinates immediate response to PREA incidents, reviews incident reports, conducts and collaborates with SLES to complete investigation process, ensures proper evidence collection and documentation, monitors investigation timelines and required notifications, coordinates with SLES when criminal conduct is suspected, and maintains confidential PREA investigation files.

Develops and Delivers Training Programs: Creates PREA training materials for different staff levels, conducts/monitors initial and refresher PREA training for employees, ensures that specialized training for investigators and medical staff are provided, collaborates with staff development to ensure training is tracked and records are maintained, updates training content based on policy changes, and ensures youth education on PREA rights and reporting.

Manages Data Collection and Reporting: Oversees collection of PREA-related data and statistics, maintains incident tracking systems and databases, analyzes data to identify trends and patterns, prepares required federal and state reports, generates statistical reports for facility leadership, and documents compliance efforts and outcomes.

Serves as PREA Resource and Liaison: Acts as primary point of contact for PREA matters, provides technical assistance to facility staff, coordinates with external agencies and auditors, responds to youth grievances related to PREA, and recommends policy updates based on policy changes. STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor's degree and relevant program experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Thorough understanding and knowledgeable of juvenile justice institutional operations and PREA standards.

Ability to analyze PREA audit tools, databases, and reports.

Ability to understand and apply SCDJJ Policies and Procedures and analyze reports based on glossary and performance indicators.

Knowledge of conducting investigations.

Maintain appropriate PREA records.

Enter data into the internal PREA database, write reports, and assist in developing and implementing PREA corrective action plans.

Excellent written and oral skills.

Proficient in the use of MS Office and DJJ's proprietary software systems.

Understanding of trauma informed care principles.

Routine travel throughout the state possible.

This position performs 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 AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social sciences, human services, or related field, and three (3) years of relevant juvenile justice experience and experience in policy development and implementation, data collection systems, and auditing/reporting.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.