Classification Specialist (MDC)

Bernalillo County; United States; On-site; USD 65,360,000 - 103,178,000; Full time

Job summary

Bernalillo County is seeking a Classification Specialist (MDC) to work within the Metropolitan Detention Center. The role involves conducting intake, interviews, and reviews of inmate records to determine appropriate security classifications in line with ACA standards and federal/state regulations.

The position requires handling confidential information, access to NCIC databases, and collaboration with other staff. Flexible scheduling and potential overtime are possible as duties evolve.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; five years of related work experience in criminal justice, counseling, or social work.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation required.
• Compliance with safety guidelines and completion of FEMA training as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Administer intake and initial interviews of inmates to determine security level.
• Review inmate history and confidential documents to assess classification needs.
• Prepare and maintain inmate files and case notes; update records.
• Conduct security risk assessments and monitor the classification process for compliance.
• Attend mandatory meetings and training related to duties and classification procedures.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

5 years of related work experience in criminal justice, counseling, or social work

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Classification Specialist (MDC)

Department:

Metropolitan Detention Center

Location:

100 DEPUTY DEAN MIERA DR SW

Pay Range:

$22.81 - $36.01

Close Date:

September 17, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

Classification Specialist will administer intake, initial interview, assess, review history and prior records of inmates from the corrections/detention system to determine security level required in accordance with pertinent state and federal, rules, regulations, and statutes. Perform a variety of technical duties in support of assigned area of responsibility in accordance with the American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. Requires handling of confidential and sensitive information and documents. Dependent upon classification requirements, may include confidential access and running reports of the National Crime Information Center, (NCIC) database and related processes. Work hours and schedule may be outside of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overtime may be required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct initial interviews with inmates; review prior history of detention or arrest; review confidential and highly sensitive documents from other facilities or prisons as required; assess level of security needed within the detention center; prepare, maintain and update inmate files, consulting with other department staff and outside professionals as needed to ensure the proper care and processing of inmates and their records is accomplished.
2. Review security check forms and obtain legal and personal information to determine appropriate classification of inmates; conduct a security risk assessment; process or make referrals to medical or psychological services as appropriate.
3. Dependent upon classification requirements, position may include the confidential access and running reports which includes but is not limited to: access of the National Crime Information Center, (NCIC) database and related processes.
4. Conduct meetings to review classification decisions; monitor all phases of the classification process to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
5. Review and maintain information relating to inmates’ criminal history, educational and employment records, court dispositions including condition of release orders, and judgment and sentence orders.
6. Provide information to families or other designated individuals regarding community services and judicial detention, sentence and release issues.
7. Review and respond to inmate grievances as it relates to the classification process; write reports and make recommendations to the court as needed.
8. Document case management process; maintain case notes and complete records, forms and reports; prepare case file reports for periodic classification review and make recommendations when appropriate.
9. Attend mandatory meetings and training as required.
10. Assist in monitoring security of inmates to ensure security precautions are being met.
11. Incumbent(s) in this classification may handle sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents, or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
12. Any one position may not include all duties listed. However, the allocation of positions will be determined by the amount of time spent performing the essential duties listed above.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED, and five (5) years of related work experience in criminal justice, counseling, or social work. Any equivalent combination related to education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
2. Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
3. Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. The majority of essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
2. Outdoor duties are sometimes required in performance of essential duties and worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
3. Worker may be exposed to intermittent noise and vibration, a variety of fumes and odors, contagious diseases and potentially hostile and dangerous situations.
4. Indoor working surface is even and may be carpeted or tiled.
5. Indoor surfaces are typically dry and may involve the use of stairs.
6. Outdoor surface may be even or uneven and may be wet or dry.
7. Outdoor duties may involve the use of stairs or ladders and may be performed on inclines or hills.
8. Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
9. Work hazards or potential work hazards include those of a correctional facility environment with exposure to noise and dangerous situations that could involve serious bodily injury and other health hazards.
10. Employee may be required to work a flexible schedule.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1. Equipment typically used to perform administrative duties include the telephone, computer, telefax machine, photocopy machine, and pager.
2. Worker may handle first aid and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
3. Materials and products typically handled in the performance of administrative duties include a wide variety of forms and paperwork, reports, various writing utensils and a wide assortment of other basic office supplies and materials.