Detention Center Safety Officer

Richland County Government; South Carolina; On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Richland County Government is seeking a Detention Center Safety Officer to ensure OSHA compliance and enforce detention center safety policies. The role reports to the Director of Compliance and offers significant independence in decision-making and initiative.

Essential tasks include supervising the safety program, training staff and detainees, conducting inspections, investigating incidents, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED with related training or coursework.
• Three years of experience in Correctional Security.
• Must complete Environmental Health and Safety Officer cert within 12 months.
• Must obtain Basic Jail Officer cert within 12 months.
• Must complete Train for Trainers course as soon as possible.
• CPR/First Aid certifications required and a valid SC driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the center’s safety program for buildings, staff, detainees and property.
• Guide staff on safety policies and environmental health requirements.
• Train staff and detainees on safety protocols and procedures.
• Oversee inspections and correct deficiencies in facilities and grounds.
• Investigate hazards, accidents and incidents affecting health and safety.
• Ensure safe handling of hazardous materials per policy.
• Conduct periodic fire drills and record findings.
• Report safety deficiencies to Compliance Director or Detention Center Director.
• Maintain safety and security and support workers’ compensation processes.
• Perform general clerical duties and maintain records.

Skills

Safety program management

Staff training

OSHA compliance

Incident investigation

Hazard assessment

Policy enforcement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Criminal justice/corrections related training

Formal training or courses

Job description

The Detention Center Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and Detention Center policies by participating in day-to-day operations. This position operates under the general supervision of the Director of Compliance, with significant independence in decision-making and initiative.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervise and manage the center’s safety program to ensure a safe environment for buildings, employees, detainees, and public property.
• Provide guidance to staff on compliance with safety policies, procedures, and programs related to environmental health and safety.
• Train staff and detainees on safety protocols, ensuring they carry out their duties and follow procedures safely.
• Oversee inspections to identify and correct deficiencies in buildings, grounds, security, vehicles, sanitation, and maintenance.
• Investigate hazards, accidents, fires, and other incidents impacting the health, safety, and welfare of employees and detainees.
• Ensure proper handling, control, and use of hazardous and toxic materials, in accordance with policy.
• Conduct periodic fire drills and record findings as required.
• Report any safety deficiencies to the Directors of Compliance or the Detention Center Director.
• Maintain the safety and security of the Detention Center by implementing established policies and procedures.
• Assist with the safety portion of the Employee Workers’ Compensation process.
• Perform general clerical duties, including compiling data, preparing reports, and maintaining records.
• Attend relevant training, seminars, and meetings to stay current on OSHA standards, accreditation requirements, and safety regulations.
• May be required to remain on-call during nights and weekends.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by formal training, special courses or self-education that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education or specialized advanced training in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, or a closely related field.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must successfully complete Environmental Health and Safety Officer certification training within the first twelve (12) months of entry into position.
• Must successfully complete and maintain Basic Jail Officer certification from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy within the first twelve (12) months of entry into position.
• Must successfully complete Train for Trainers course as soon as possible.
• Must possess or be able to obtain CPR / First Aid certifications.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Must meet other requirements as set forth in applicable South Carolina statutes and regulations.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires three (3) years’ experience in Correctional Security.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Richland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Compensation Minimum: $22.16