Detention Deputy Trainee

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office; United States; On-site; USD 45,460,800 - 55,104,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Detention Deputy to maintain order and custody of inmates in various facilities. This includes overseeing inmate interactions, conducting security checks, and ensuring compliance with rules in a potentially hostile environment.

Applicants must be at least 19 years old and possess a valid high school diploma or GED. The starting salary for this role is $33.13 per hour, with benefits provided during training.

Qualifications

• Must be 19 years of age or older.
• Good moral character required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision of inmates in detention facilities.
• Conduct security checks and respond to incidents.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of inmate care and custody

Communication skills

Ability to analyze problems and implement solutions

Knowledge of CPR and first-aid

Ability to handle hostile situations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Two-way radio

Computer software

Job description

Why choose HCSO? We have a history of stability and excellence. We continue to maintain and cultivate the highest level of standards and professionalism.

Compensation

Range: $33.13 per hour. Starting Salary Range: $33.13 per hour.

Job Description Summary

The training consists of academy orientation, academy, and post‑academy training. The Sheriff's Office provides all books, materials, and uniforms (excluding footwear). Those selected for hire receive pay and full benefits during the training period. After training, the recruit is sworn in and their salary increases to the salary of a certified Detention Deputy. The role involves maintaining order and physical custody of inmates in a detention facility, courthouse complex, or other areas to provide a safe and secure environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide direct and remote supervision of inmates within housing and other areas of a jail, courthouse complex, or secure perimeter.
• Conduct frequent security checks for unauthorized activities and infractions of rules, respond to situations, and document accordingly.
• Receive and process inmates from officers and courts, maintain inmates’ property, and direct inmates throughout the intake process.
• Maintain security and custody of volatile and violent inmates.
• Observe conduct and behavior of inmates, respond to and control emergency situations, and use appropriate levels of force to control combative, volatile, or hostile offenders.
• Schedule, supervise, and cancel inmate visitations.
• Supervise the dispensing of food in a timely fashion to inmates, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Supervise inmates and trusty‑inmate work crews.
• Conduct metal and x‑ray detection of individuals and materials before entering facilities; perform necessary searches for weapons and contraband; complete reports.
• Inspect cells, housing areas, locks, windows, grills, doors, gates, and perimeter of buildings and grounds for security purposes.
• Transport inmates to other facilities as required.
• Run daily reports as required.
• Enter information into a database to capture daily activities.
• Communicate with the public, respond to questions, and assist as necessary.
• Operate a master control center as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of modern inmate care, custody and control, and related laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies governing detention facilities and courtrooms.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the criminal justice system.
• Some knowledge of crowd control defense and restraint tactics and communication procedures.
• Some knowledge of behavior patterns, legal rights, discipline protocols and grievance procedures of inmates.
• Working knowledge of how to search for and recognize contraband and weapons.
• Working knowledge of the operation of Sally port controls, cell locks and control panels commonly used in a secure facility.
• Working knowledge of first‑aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) principles and skill in training others.
• Skill in interviewing and interrogation methods and techniques.
• Ability to train others in all aspects of job duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse populations.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations to support goals.
• Ability to work in a hostile environment of inmates and visitors without reacting negatively and to project a professional image at all times.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and shift between dissimilar tasks efficiently.
• Ability to supervise emergency situations, make effective decisions under stressful circumstances and direct the use of physical force when necessary.
• Ability to detect potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy.
• Ability to physically handle and control prisoners resisting detention.
• Ability to review, establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to use a two‑way radio, various restraining devices, a motor vehicle and computer software.
• Ability to work effectively with others and to use weapons safely and properly.

Working Conditions

• Office environment within a law enforcement agency, courthouse/court complex, or corrections facility.
• Outdoors in subtropical climate with potential adverse weather.
• Extended periods of standing at a scene, event, or workstation.
• Heavy physical exertion (lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling objects up to 160–180 pounds).
• Non‑standard hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Uniform provided by the Sheriff’s Office.

Minimum Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED. Additional requirements:

• 19 years of age or older.
• United States citizen.
• Good moral character.
• Six months tobacco/nicotine free at time of application.
• Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County and within 60 miles of Falkenburg Road Jail at time of appointment.

Required Pre‑Employment Testing

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement Correctional Basic Abilities Test (BAT).
• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA).

Additional Job Requirements

• Attend specified Sheriff’s Office work location.
• Possibly possess a valid Florida Driver License.
• No visible tattoos on face, head, or neck; tattoos that affect professional appearance must be covered with appropriate covering.
• No illegal drug sale or use within lifetime; no marijuana use within last 12 months; no felony convictions within lifetime; no misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence; no dishonorable discharge.
• Successful completion of background investigation, polygraph, medical evaluation, and drug screening.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities.
• Right to change or assign other duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Complete Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA) within 30 days of application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical/mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or military/veteran status.