DETENTION FACILITIES SPECIALIST - 09242026-81195

State of Tennessee; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 61,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee’s Tennessee Correction Institute in Memphis seeks a Detention Facilities Specialist with responsibilities for inspections, training, and technical assistance across West Tennessee.

Under general supervision, you will conduct unannounced inspections, expand correctional training programs, interpret jail standards, testify as an expert witness, and coordinate with local and state officials to improve compliance.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of full-time experience in one or a combination of the following: (1) inspecting and/or assisting with the inspection of detention facilities, (2) administering or managing correctional programs, (3) training or teaching in the field of corrections or (4) monitoring the activities of inmates in a correctional setting.
• Substitution of Experience for Education: Experience in any one of the following: (1) inspecting and/or assisting with the inspection of detention facilities, (2) administering or managing correctional programs, (3) training or teaching in the field of corrections or (4) monitoring the activities of inmates in a correctional setting may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis up to a maximum of four years (e.g., experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of required education).
• Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this classification must be willing to submit to a background check. Applicants must also possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions. Applicants for this classification must supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.
• Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with minimum standards and conduct detailed audits and provide technical assistance to ensure compliance with the Reentry Success Act of 2021, reviewing all documentation, policies, and procedures relevant to adult local correctional facilities' standards. Inspect physical structures and operational areas like food preparation and medical facilities to identify deficiencies for corrective action.
• Expand training offerings in partnership with TN College of Applied Technology and TN Board of Regents Facilities under the Tennessee Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, and Recruitment Program. Develop and deliver correctional training programs, organize training topics, and facilitate interactive learning sessions, including an annual correctional educational and technology expo.
• Serve as a consultant to establish best practices and interpret jail standards for various stakeholders; provide comprehensive technical assistance to detention facility administrators. Testify as an expert witness, communicate inspection results, and maintain relationships with key local and state officials to facilitate operational improvements and compliance.
• Analyze inspection data to develop recommendations and organize work activities, coordinating team efforts and managing logistics for inspections and training at various facilities. Utilize specialized measurement and office equipment to ensure accurate data collection.
• Engage in continuous professional education and research best correctional practices by attending training and symposiums from national and international correctional associations.
• Prepare and ensure the proper functioning of technical equipment for training and inspections, troubleshooting issues as needed.
• Manage administrative tasks including time and leave requests, reimbursement submissions, and modifications to training programs. Participate in regular staff and TCI Board of Control meetings, and communicate inspection results to federal, state, and local agencies.

Skills

Active Learning and Listening

Critical Thinking

Instructing

Speaking

Writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Computer

Projector

Laser Measuring Device

Smartphone

Printer/Copier/Fax Machine

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/24/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/24/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 10/07/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $5,100.00 - $6,373.00

Salary (Annually) $61,200.00 - $76,476.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Memphis, TN

Department Tennessee Correction Institute

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE CORRECTION INSTITUTE, SHELBY COUNTY

A valid motor vehicle license is required for this position.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Required

Position will be based in Shelby County but travel is required for all of West Tennessee; counties covered will be: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, McNairy, Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Warren, Weakley Counties

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of full-time experience in one or a combination of the following: (1) inspecting and/or assisting with the inspection of detention facilities, (2) administering or managing correctional programs, (3) training or teaching in the field of corrections or (4) monitoring the activities of inmates in a correctional setting.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Experience in any one of the following: (1) inspecting and/or assisting with the inspection of detention facilities, (2) administering or managing correctional programs, (3) training or teaching in the field of corrections or (4) monitoring the activities of inmates in a correctional setting may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis up to a maximum of four years (e.g., experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of required education).

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this classification must be willing to submit to a background check. Applicants must also possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions. Applicants for this classification must supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.

Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

Under general supervision, performs detention facility inspection work of considerable difficulty and correctional training work of above average difficulty; and performs related work as required. This is the working level class in the Detention Facilities Specialist series. An employee in this class conducts inspections and analyses of local detention facilities, provides technical assistance to local detention facility administrators and others associated with detention facility operations or construction, and conducts applied training programs for local correctional officers and local government officials within assigned areas of the State. This class differs from that of Chief Detention Specialist in that an incumbent of the latter supervises the work activities of an incumbent of this class.

Responsibilities

• Conduct unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with minimum standards and conduct detailed audits and provide technical assistance to ensure compliance with the Reentry Success Act of 2021, reviewing all documentation, policies, and procedures relevant to adult local correctional facilities' standards. Inspect physical structures and operational areas like food preparation and medical facilities to identify deficiencies for corrective action.
• Expand training offerings in partnership with TN College of Applied Technology and TN Board of Regents Facilities under the Tennessee Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, and Recruitment Program. Develop and deliver correctional training programs, organize training topics, and facilitate interactive learning sessions, including an annual correctional educational and technology expo.
• Serve as a consultant to establish best practices and interpret jail standards for various stakeholders; provide comprehensive technical assistance to detention facility administrators. Testify as an expert witness, communicate inspection results, and maintain relationships with key local and state officials to facilitate operational improvements and compliance.
• Analyze inspection data to develop recommendations and organize work activities, coordinating team efforts and managing logistics for inspections and training at various facilities. Utilize specialized measurement and office equipment to ensure accurate data collection.
• Engage in continuous professional education and research best correctional practices by attending training and symposiums from national and international correctional associations.
• Prepare and ensure the proper functioning of technical equipment for training and inspections, troubleshooting issues as needed.
• Manage administrative tasks including time and leave requests, reimbursement submissions, and modifications to training programs. Participate in regular staff and TCI Board of Control meetings, and communicate inspection results to federal, state, and local agencies.

Competencies (KSA’s)

Competencies

• Tech Savvy
• Business Insight
• Self-Development
• Manages Conflict
• Customer Focus

Knowledges

• Administration and Management
• Clerical
• Customer and Personal Service
• Law and Government
• Production and Processing

Skills

• Active Learning and Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Instructing
• Speaking
• Writing

Abilities

• Deductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Perceptual Speed
• Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

• Computer
• Projector
• Laser Measuring Device
• Smartphone
• Printer/Copier/Fax Machine

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

• Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.