Classification Specialist

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Classification Specialist to join the Custody Management Division. You will evaluate inmates and assign housing based on charges, behavior, security concerns, and risk factors, coordinating with medical, programs, custody staff and others to ensure safe, secure housing.

The ideal candidate is analytical, fair, and objective, communicating effectively with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Testing required.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to enter and retrieve information from computer systems.
• Ability to assess inmates for custody levels and housing.

Responsibilities

• Interviews inmates within 72 hours of admission and at follow-up reassessments.
• Provides reassessments and reclassifications of inmates as needed.
• Judgment in custody level, safety, and housing based on risk and program participation.
• Monitors inmate behavior during the classification process.
• Maintains and updates inmate classification records.
• Coordinates inmate housing movement with affected staff.
• Provides information and court testimony when required.
• Shift work required; maintains regular attendance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Odyssey

JMS

VIPAR

ACISS

e-Agent

CCIS

CJNET

Document imaging

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

SONET

Job description

Help shape safe and effective detention operations. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Classification Specialist to join our Custody Management Division. In this role, you'll evaluate inmates and make critical classification and housing decisions based on charges, behavior, security concerns, and other risk factors. Through interviews, record reviews, and collaboration with medical, programs, custody, and other Sheriff's Office personnel, you'll help ensure inmates are appropriately housed while supporting the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the Pinellas County Jail.

The ideal candidate is analytical, fair, and confident in making well-informed decisions. They communicate effectively with diverse populations, remain objective in complex situations, and possess the critical thinking skills needed to balance safety, security, and inmate management. They are detail-oriented, adaptable, and thrive in an environment where every decision matters.

If you're looking for a career where your judgment directly impacts facility safety, inmate management, and correctional operations, this is your opportunity. Join a team dedicated to professionalism, public service, and making informed decisions that make a difference every day.
Salary: $24.08/hour
Schedule: 8 hours, 5 days a week, with 2 consecutive days off. There is a day shift, evening shift, and an overnight shift. You must be able to accommodate all shifts.

The background investigation process may take up to 6 weeks depending upon the complexity of the applicant's background and position for which they've applied.

Job Description:

Under the general direction of a Classification Shift Supervisor, performs work of a responsible and professional nature related to the classification and reclassification of inmates housed in the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Department of Detention and Corrections. Work is performed in accordance with Sheriff's Office rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Member exercises independent judgment in assigning appropriate inmate housing and must possess good interpersonal communication skills. The Classification Specialist functions in cooperation with Inmate Records, Medical, Programs and security staff. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained. Shift work required.

SUPERVISES OTHERS:

• Interviews inmates within 72 hours of admission to the Pinellas County Jail and at least once, thirty (30) days thereafter
• Provides reassessments and reclassifications of inmates as needed
• Exercises judgment in the classification and reclassification of inmates, as it pertains to custody level, sexual violence propensity, special handling, housing and program participation
• Monitors inmate behavior during the classification process
• Sets priorities and organizes workload in an effective and efficient manner
• Prepares daily housing and availability reports
• Reclassifies inmates based on documented changes in behavior, attitude, custody status, program participation, or upon additional verifiable information
• Activates, maintains and updates inmate classification records
• Authorizes the reassignment of inmates from housing units and facilities and coordinates such movement with affected staff
• Provides information and assistance pertaining to inmate classification
• Provides court testimony when required
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
• This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work
• Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree
• Or equal combination of education and experience
• Testing Required
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Skill in problem solving and decision making
• Good knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting
• Ability to enter and/or retrieve information from computer systems
• Skill in assessing individual inmates through interviewing techniques to assign appropriate custody levels and proper housing assignments
• Skill in operating various computer systems to include, but not limited to, Odyssey, JMS, VIPAR, ACISS, e-Agent, CCIS, CJNET, document imaging, Microsoft Outlook and Excel, and SONET
• Ability to work closely and effectively and directly communicate with inmates, correctional and medical staff, the public and other criminal justice officials
• Ability to monitor and manage jail population levels
• Ability to prepare statistical tabulations and reports
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Knowledge of statutes, ordinances, regulations and judicial rulings governing detainees
• Knowledge of correctional operations and the rehabilitation techniques and programs utilized in the field
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to:

• Sit up to 6 hours per day
• Stand up 1 hour per day
• Walk up 2 hours per day
• Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally bend, squat, reach, kneel and twist