Detention Attendant

City of Worcester; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Worcester is seeking a Detention Attendant for the Worcester Police Department to maintain order and provide for the care and security of prisoners. The role includes processing prisoners, supervising inmates, and ensuring sanitary and building maintenance of the detention area.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Open until filled; Worcester residents have preference. Contact HR for inquiries.

Qualifications

• Moral integrity is essential.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with prisoners.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Receive, conduct searches of, and book prisoners.
• Serve as guard for inmates.
• Supervise inmates in cells and perform periodic inspections.
• Keep watch and report sickness or injury to medical staff.
• Maintain property custody and retention until release.
• Make routine verbal and written reports to supervisors.

Skills

Moral integrity

Communication

Record keeping

Interpersonal skills

Discipline

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Flexibility and ability to work all shifts (7:00 am–3:00 pm, 3:00pm to 11:00pm, 11:00pm to 7:00am), weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Wage:

$21.51-25.89, hourly

Description:

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a female Detention Attendant for the Worcester Police Department. Under the direction of a Police Lieutenant, the position will maintain order and provide for the care and security of prisoners at the Police department. The Detention Attendant will receive and process prisoners, while monitoring and protecting their well-being. The successful candidate will be responsible for the security, sanitary, and general building maintenance of the detention area of the Worcester Police Department.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Receive, conduct searches of, and book prisoners.
• Serve as guard.
• Exercise immediate supervision over inmate in cells.
• Make periodic inspections of cells and holding areas to prevent injury to persons and property.
• Make periodic counts of inmates and periodic checks of all prison areas to avoid contact of outsiders with inmates and to prevent any escape attempt.
• Keep watch over prisoners to note sickness or injury and to summon medical treatment as per department policy.
• Receive personal property of prisoners for safe keeping and provides for retention of property until the prisoner is released.
• Make verbal and written reports to superior officer as required.
• Perform related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of police objectives and procedures and of federal and state law enforcement agencies and their operation.
• Knowledge of police records, methods, practices and procedures as they apply to the protection of inmates who are institutionalized.
• Knowledge of the laws under which property is held, destroyed or sold at auction.
• Moral integrity is an essential requirement.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with prisoners.
• Ability to catalog and store a variety of personal property.
• Ability to maintain discipline of prisoners under institutional conditions.
• Ability to make routine reports.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience with record keeping; or
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) year of experience working in or with law enforcement
• One (1) year of experience with customer service

OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, [e-mail].