Detention Officer

Employees in this class perform inmate detention, care, security, and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the jail, serving meals, medical staff escort, related care and record keeping requirements. Employees must exercise independent initiative and judgement in making decision regarding inmates and their custody, with suicidal, violent, or mentally unstable tendencies, and in dealing with attorneys, families, and others. Work involves exercising tact, firmness, and decisiveness in handling routine and emergency situations. Employees are subject to hazards in law enforcement work including working inside a jail environment and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazards such as cleaning chemicals, close quarters, and narrow passages. Work is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed for adherence to regulations and procedures, accuracy of paperwork, adherence to schedules, and effective interpersonal skills and decision-making in dealing with inmates and coworkers. Duties and Responsibilities Process incoming inmates, complete necessary intake paperwork, search prisoners, obtain and secures inmates' personal property, assign and escort inmates to proper holding facilities, advises inmates of detention center rules and regulations. Operates electronic doors to pods, in and out of facility and in and out of individual cells; observes video screens of all aspects of the detention facility for security issues. Serves meals to inmates; changes out inmate's uniforms; escorts medical staff; counts inmates; passes out mail and property; conduct searches periodically for contraband materials; oversees inmate recreation. Arranges contacts by visits or telephone calls between inmates and relatives, court officials, attorneys; escorts inmates to visiting rooms. Answer telephone and radio, inspect incoming and outgoing mail. Distributes medication, personal hygiene items, meals, linens, clothing, mail, and other items to inmates, checks on intoxicated and other inmates in special medical or mental conditions. Prepares inmates for court. Supervises inmates in the cleaning of cells, cleaning of kitchens, office areas, clothes, and linens. Maintains accurate and detailed records on work and inmate activities. Transports inmates to court, other detention facilities, medical and mental health treatment, and other necessary trips. Provides canteen and meets other needs. Qualifications Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to inmate Detention Officer sentencing, pre-trial conditions and release. Working knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline. Working knowledge of the application and use of information technology to the work. Working knowledge of the practices, materials and equipment used in cleaning and maintaining buildings and equipment. Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork and de-escalation tactics. Ability to exercise sound judgement in routine and emergency situations and solve day to day problems effectively. Ability to work in a hazardous and confining environment. Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, family members and the general public. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records manually and in a computerized environment. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with the supervisors, other employees, law enforcement and court personnel, and the general public. Special Requirements Compliance with minimum standards for training and certification as set by the state of North Carolina for detention center personnel within twelve months of employment date.

Pay:

$42,735.00 - $65,120.00 per year

Work Location:

In person