Internship Program

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.Cohorts offered in Spring, Summer, & FallPosition Summary: The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) Internship Program provides students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience related to many facets of the juvenile justice system. Interns will gain insight into SCDJJ operations while assisting in key areas of the agency. This internship is designed to develop professional skills and provide real-world exposure to juvenile justice careers and the supporting administrative functions.Key Responsibilities May Include: Assisting with department-specific tasks.Observing and participating in assigned departmental activities.Supporting assigned area in their daily responsibilities.Conducting research, analyzing reports, and contributing to presentations or policy discussions.Engaging in community outreach initiatives and assisting with youth-focused programs.Participating in professional development sessions, including SCDJJ’s New Intern Orientation (NIO) and additional internship-specific training sessions.Completing assigned deliverables within project timelines and maintaining detailed records of work.Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to SCDJJ policies and ethical standards.Performing other duties as assigned by area supervisor.Learning Objectives May Include:Understanding of the juvenile justice system, policies, and rehabilitation approaches and how SCDJJ serves the citizens of South Carolina.Exposure to case management, legal procedures, and program coordination.Professional communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking in a justice-related setting.Experience working with at-risk youth and implementing intervention strategies.Career development through networking and mentorship opportunities.Minimum and Additional RequirementsQualifications: Currently enrolled or pursuing a collegiate degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, administration, information technology or a related field.Must be 18 years of age or older.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.Willingness to work in a structured environment with justice-involved youth.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other administrative tools is a plus.Must pass a background check and medical screens in accordance with SCDJJ policies.Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.Performance Assessment & Program Evaluation:To ensure a meaningful internship experience and evaluate program effectiveness, SCDJJ will develop learning objectives and evaluation standards for each internship area. Interns will receive regular feedback from their supervisors, participate in structured check-ins, and complete a final evaluation to assess progress and skill development.SCDJJ will work with the college’s respective academic advisors to ensure internship requirements are met.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 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 EmployeesThe 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 , which includes prescription coverage and wellness 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 , including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the , which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for , 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.01I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity employer. SCDJJ 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) 896-9749.

02I 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.

03I 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.

04Do you have a valid driver’s license?

05Are you at least 18 years of age?

06Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.?

07Which cohort are you interested in?

Summer 2026
Fall 2026

08Are you able to commit to a 12-week cohort?

09Are you currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program?

10Are you currently a graduate student?

11Which college, university, or technical college do you attend?12What is your major? (Drop Down Answer Bank)

Accounting
Advertising
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Communications
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Cyber Security
Economics
Engineering
English
Finance
History
Information Technology
Law
Marketing
Mathematics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Relations
Sociology
Social Work
Other

13If you answered “Other” for the previous question, please list your current major below.14Do you currently have a minor? If yes, please list below.15Are you looking to work:

37.5 Hours – Full-time
20 Hours – Part-time
Varying Hours

16If you selected “Varying Hours” to the previous question, please list them below.17What is your current classification status at your college or university?

Graduate Student
Senior
Junior
Sophomore

18What is your anticipated graduation date?19Upon completion of your internship, will you be seeking full-time employment within the next 60 to 90 days?

20How did you hear about this program?

SC State Government Jobs Website
Career Fair
SC Works
Social Media
DJJ Employee
Indeed.com
Other

21If you answered “DJJ Employee” for the previous question, please share their name.

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