JOB SUMMARY

The Detention Officer performs inmate detention and care work in the County Detention Center. Employees in this class work a rotating 12-hour shift and perform inmate intake, detention, care, transport, observation, and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the Detention Center and related care and recordkeeping requirements; and employees may be assigned to any work area within the facility and may also be assigned to accompany inmates to court or other assigned locations. Patience and firmness are required in frequent contacts with some violent, suicidal, and mentally unstable inmates. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the shift supervisor on the assigned shift, and is evaluated through observation. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Makes regular rounds of detention facilities to assure safety and security of inmates.
• Monitors inmate activity.
• Processes incoming inmates, completes necessary intake paperwork, searches prisoners, obtains and secures inmates’ personal property, assigns and escorts inmates to proper holding facilities, advises inmates of Detention Center rules and regulations.
• Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates’ medial status and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected.
• Distributes personal hygiene items, meals, linens, clothing, 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, office areas, clothes, and linens.
• Transports inmates to court, other detention facilities, medical and mental health treatment, and other necessary trips, usually locally; accompanies other officers to transport multiple inmates.
• Distributes trays to inmates.
• Maintains logs of activities during the shift.
• As directed, returns personal property to individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Knowledge of federal, State, and local laws pertaining to inmate sentencing pretrial conditions, and release.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a hazardous and confining work environment.
• Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other employees, and the public.
• Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations and sounds in the facility and exercise judgment in determining potential security problems.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including shift work.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.

Education and Experience:

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Coursework in law enforcement or detention is preferable.  

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must meet the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention facility personnel. Employees not meeting the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention facility personnel should be placed in a trainee progression with a salary below hiring rate until minimum standards are met.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to work flexible hours, including shift work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force on occasion to as little as 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. Tasks may require the following abilities: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity to prepare records and reports; observe people and things for security purposes; and operate electronic control panels and view computer screens.

WORK ENVIRONMENT