Master Divinity Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $45,300.00 - $77,000.00 Annually
Location : Dorchester County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 184963
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Division: Facility Rehabilitation & Health Services
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: GC20
Position Number:: 60032399 (184963)
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.: $50,192.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at www.careers.sc.gov. and follow your application status 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 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 the direct supervision of the Director of Chaplaincy, functions as the primary clinical chaplain and pastoral caregiver for an SCDJJ secure facility.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides clinical pastoral care to the youth, their family members, as well as staff.
Provides and/or organizes pastoral counseling, grief counseling, emergency/crisis visits, death and on call visits for the youth within the facility.
Plans, conducts and/or coordinates religious programming to include delivering services, facilitating groups, and providing one on one counseling. This includes worship services, religious study groups, and special events.
Plans and administers programs to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of the juveniles within the facility.
Provides orientation, guidance, and ongoing support to the spiritual development volunteers; works closely with these volunteers to coordinate special events such as holiday parties and agency-wide events.
Mobilizes the faith-based community to meet the spiritual needs of youth with diverse religious beliefs.
Provides and facilitates Critical Incident Services (CISM) services for and manage all duties related to CISM support.
Represents in facility meeting departmental and/or branch meetings and trainings, as well as multidisciplinary meetings.
Performs other related Chaplaincy job duties.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
The equivalent of a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological school, additional clinical pastoral education and/or work experience in a clinical pastoral setting.
Special Requirement:
Ordination as a minister, priest, or rabbi with current ecclesiastical endorsements or the accepted equivalent of ordination for the respective faith.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of the emotional and spiritual needs of the client population.
Knowledge of pastoral counseling and treatment techniques.
Knowledge of the principles of effective human relations.
Knowledge of the theoretical concepts and worship practices of different religious dominations.
Ability to accurately identify individual psychological problems and suggest appropriate solutions.
Ability to plan and administer a program of clinical pastoral care.
Ability to organize programs of religious worship and related activities.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Chaplaincy, the employee must be able to perform competently and independently. Employee will receive annual performance reviews and take part in formal and informal consultations with the Director of Chaplaincy as deemed appropriate.
Must be able to work with incarcerated youth.
This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, and employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties provided.
Preferred Qualifications
PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological school or equivalent master's degree and additional clinical pastoral education and/or work experience in a clinical pastoral setting.
Ordination as a minister, priest or rabbi with current ecclesiastical endorsement, or the accepted equivalent of ordination for the respective faith.
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 old?

• Yes
• No

13
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.?

• 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?

• Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
• Career Fair
• SC Works
• Indeed.com
• DJJ Employee
• Other

17
If you answered "DJJ Employee" to the previous question please list employee's name.
18
If you answered "Other" for the previous question, please specify.
19
Do you have the equivalent of a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological school?

• Yes
• No

20
Do you possess ordination as a minister, priest or rabbi with current ecclesiastical endorsement, or the accepted equivalent of ordination for the respective faith?

• Yes
• No

21
Do you have additional clinical pastoral education and/or work experience in a clinical pastoral setting?

• Yes
• No

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