Detention Lieutenant

Vance County, NC; Henderson (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Vance County in North Carolina seeks a Detention Center Lieutenant to supervise inmate detention operations on an 8-hour shift, directing staff, scheduling, and priorities while enforcing county policies and safety measures.

Responsibilities include performance assessment, staff training, addressing inmate issues, and coordinating with the Assistant Detention Center Administrator to sustain secure, compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in law enforcement, corrections detention, and the custody and care of inmates, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess NC Detention Officer Certification issued by the NC Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission, or have the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of the shift(s) within the County Detention Center; develops work schedules and determines work assignments; interprets operational policies for staff.
• Provides orientation to new personnel and inmates; discusses expectations with inmates.
• Supervises inmate counts and maintains records for inmate location accountability; supervises searches for contraband.
• Ensures reports and records are maintained and staff safety procedures are followed.
• Schedules shift assignments; oversees detention programs including processing, security, visitation, transportation, and release.

Skills

Supervision of staff

Policy interpretation

Record keeping

Communication skills

Security awareness

Education

High school diploma

NC Detention Officer Certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

This position is open until filled.

The Human Resources Office is unable to provide status updates by telephone.

The salary range is listed above. Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

The Detention Center Lieutenant performs supervisory and coordinative work related to inmate detention and care during an 8-hour shift within the County Detention Center. An employee in this class performs supervisory work directing the daily activities of one or more shifts and programs within the County Detention Center. Employees determine work schedules, ensure work is completed in a timely and effective manner, and work with shift supervisors to assign officers to a particular area and assignment. This employee works with the Shift Supervisor to ensure County policies are followed and that employees treat inmates fairly and firmly. Employees provide input into the modification and development of policies and procedures, as well as interpret them to staff and inmates. Work also requires the employee to participate in the performance appraisal process for Detention Officer positions. Employees also facilitate inmate problems and serve as a conduit between staff and administration for staff problems, as well as inmate grievances. Tact and firmness are required in frequent contacts with staff, as well as unstable inmates. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Assistant Detention Center Administrator and is evaluated through observation and shift reports.

• Directs the activities of the shift(s) within the County Detention Center; ensures all work is completed in an effective and efficient manner; develops work schedules and determines work assignments; participates in the development of operational policies and provides interpretation to staff; performs performance appraisals on subordinate staff.
• Provides orientation to new personnel; provides orientation and discussion of expectations to inmates; instructs officers in the performance of their duties.
• Supervises inmate counts and the maintenance of all records to ensure inmate location accountability; supervises periodic searches of inmate quarters for contraband.
• Ensures reports and records are maintained.
• Supervises inmate intake processing; ensures staff and inmate safety by implementing custody and security procedures.
• Schedules shift assignment; organizes the operation of detention programs including processing records completion and maintenance, security, visitation, transportation, and release.
• Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates’ medical status and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected.
• Participates in training of new and existing staff.
• Performs work in various areas of the Detention Center and makes assignments as needed such as inmate intake, court transportation and security, and working the floor and control booth.
• May be on call to respond to emergencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in law enforcement, corrections detention, and the custody and care of inmates, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Possession of North Carolina Detention Officer Certification issued by the NC Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission, or have the ability to obtain this certification within twelve (12) months of hire. Failure to obtain the certification within the designated timeframe may result in separation from employment.
• Must meet the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention facility personnel.

Special Requirements

Must be able to work flexible hours, including shift work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Knowledge of federal, State, and local laws pertaining to inmate sentencing pretrial conditions, and release.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of subordinate officers.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a hazardous and confining work environment.
• Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other employees, and the public.
• Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations and sounds in the facility and exercise judgment in determining potential security problems
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including shift work.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force on occasion to as little as 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; including the human body. Tasks may require the following abilities: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a secure work environment. The employee is subject to hazards associated with custody work including working in inside environments, exposure to various hazards such as noise and a variety of physical conditions and close quarters. Employees may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. The employee is required to work in close quarters with inmates.

Please Note

If offered a position, official transcripts/verification of education must be submitted directly to the Human Resources Office from the educational institution(s) listed on application. Positions requiring a minimum education/certification must also have official documents submitted to the Human Resources Office. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted by the candidate with the application for consideration of meeting minimum job requirements.