Detention Deputy

Berkeley County (SC) Government; Moncks Corner (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkeley County Government is seeking a Detention Center support position to assist in overseeing operations, ensuring safety and compliance with state and local laws, and to work under high‑stress conditions.

You will help manage inmate records, supervise officers, coordinate admissions and releases, respond to emergencies, and train new staff to maintain a secure, orderly facility. This role requires vigilance, teamwork and the ability to perform under challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of general work experience is required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must have a valid SC driver’s license with safe driving record.
• Must have or obtain LE-2 certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing the Detention Center operation.
• Maintain administrative and inmate records in the jail management system.
• Supervise detention officers during intake, fingerprinting, photography, and processing valuables.
• Oversee inmate releases/transfers with proper documentation.
• Respond to inmate death or escape and preserve the crime scene.
• Ensure a clean, safe environment inside and outside the detention center.
• Assist in Control Tower operations to maintain security.
• Train new employees and share task demonstrations.
• Communicate progress and issues to supervisory staff.
• Interviews incoming inmates to determine placement and coordinate visitation.

Skills

Office equipment handling

Computer applications

Inventory & property management

Education

High School diploma or equal

Job description

Job Summary And Essential Functions

This position typically provides assistance in overseeing the activities of the Detention Center ensuring an efficient and effective workplace; ensures the enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; and works under stressful, high-risk conditions.

This position typically provides assistance in overseeing the activities of the Detention Center ensuring an efficient and effective workplace; ensures the enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; and works under stressful, high-risk conditions.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists in overseeing the operation of the Detention Center of the Sheriff's Office.
• Assists in the documentation and maintenance of administrative records, inmate records/reports to include: intakes, property counts, releases, inmate infractions, population control, the verification and review of court documents, entries in the jail management system and victim/witness check sheets.
• Assists in overseeing subordinate detention officers to ensure that all receiving duties, to include obtaining pertinent information from arresting officers, fingerprinting, photographing, processing valuables and interviewing inmates to ascertain pre-existing health conditions, allergies and other related problems are correctly noted placed in their file.
• Assists in supervising the process and procedure involved in the release or transfer of an inmate to ensure complete and accurate entries in the required documents, the verification and return of inmate valuables and possessions.
• Comprehends and completes outlined objectives and observance of the detention center philosophy, goals and policies in the exertion of assigned duties.
• Provides immediate response to any reports of an inmate death or escape and assist in the preservation of the crime scene to ensure evidence is not disturbed.
• Assists in supervising all environmental duties assigned inside and outside the detention center to ensure a clean safe environment for inmates and staff.
• Stays abreast of all aspect of the detentions emergency actions plans to ensure preparedness if execution is required.
• Ensures that unit officers are in their assigned areas of responsibility, dressed in accordance with the Uniform Dress Code and in possession of required equipment.
• Assists in supervising the operation in the Control Tower to ensure a safe and secure environment at all times.
• Assists in providing needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways or addressing such problems.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Interviews incoming inmates to determine placement.
• Oversees visitation and inmate transportation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Work

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• One (1) year of general work experience;
• Must be a legal United States citizen (required by Academy);
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record;
• Must have or have the ability to obtain a S.C. Criminal Justice Academy LE-2 certification.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire;

Special Requirements:

• Initial testing consists of an extensive background check;
• Upon successful completion of the background check, selected candidates will then proceed to an interview;
• Post offer drug testing, pre-placement physical and a functional evaluation capacity test will be required;
• Departmental testing will be administered during interview.
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• This position is considered emergency essential and will be required to report to work during any declared emergency situation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in using small office equipment, computers and highly technical computer applications.
• Ability to use or repair medium equipment and machinery.
• Ability to manage inventory and property.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to sit, walk, climb and stand; use hands to handle, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; kneel and bend at the waist; use hands and fingers to handle objects such as weapons, handcuffs, etc.; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to seventy-five (75) pounds and move one hundred fifty (150) pounds. The employee must have the ability to restrain prisoners. The employee may be required to run in order to apprehend a person. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions

The work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Twelve (12) hour work schedule on assigned shift. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.

Berkeley County offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

• Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Personal Leave
• Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program (i.e. 401K, 457)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program