Detention Officer

Harris County Sheriff's Office; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command. This role involves care, custody, and control of individuals housed in the Harris County Jail in Downtown Houston. You will perform inspections and searches, respond to crises, and prepare detailed reports to support jail operations.

Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED, be at least 18, and be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver's license or state ID.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a U.S. citizen (exceptions noted)
• Valid Driver's License or State ID
• Eyesight 20/20 and normal color vision
• Hearing within normal audible range

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and cell searches
• Resolve crises such as fights, fires, and medical emergencies
• Complete reports

Skills

Stand for extended periods

Lift up to 40 lbs

Bend, stoop, kneel

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Graduates of Law Enforcement High School Program

Job description

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command

As a Detention Officer, you are a vital team member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for maintaining care, custody, and control over individuals housed in the Harris County Jail. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office's primary responsibility to the citizens of Harris County is to house individuals awaiting trial or commitment to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performing inspections and cell searches
• Resolving crises such as fights, fires, and medical emergencies
• Completing reports

Detention Command Career Paths

• Armed Detention Officer - responsible for transporting and securing inmates to and at hospitals or clinics.
• Detention Sergeant - responsible for supervising detention officers assigned to their area.
• Detention Lieutenant - responsible for supervising all personnel assigned to their shift.
• Detention Captain - responsible for supervising all personnel assigned to their facility.

The Detention Officer (Jailer) Position is a Civil Service-protected position with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least 18 years of age
• Must be a U. S. Citizen (See General Information for exceptions)
• Valid Driver's License or State Issued ID
• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20 vision, normal color, and peripheral vision
• Correctable normal audible range in both ears

Testing

• Pass pre-employment testing - Written exam (Basic work skills)
• Physical Agility

Ability To

• Stand for extended periods of time
• Bend, stoop, kneel
• Lift up to 40 lbs

Additional Requirements

• Thorough background investigation
  • (Criminal background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.)
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug screening

Additional Qualifications

• Graduates of Law Enforcement High School Program or Participation in a Law Enforcement Explorers program
• Previous Law Enforcement or Corrections work experience
• Honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces

Salary and Incentive Pay

• Paid biweekly based on 26 pay periods per year, plus benefits
• Up to 12 years of credit for service as a TCOLE Certified Jailer upon hire (Restrictions Apply)
• The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) provides its employees the ability to obtain the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Corrections Officer (Jailers) Certification at no cost through the HCSO Academy
• If selected, PAID employment begins the first day of the required (4) week Basic Jailers Course at the Harris County Sheriff's Office Academy
• Successful completion of the (4) week Basic Jailers Course is required for continued employment as a Detention Officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office

Location

• Downtown, Houston, TX

Hours

• 40 Hours Per Week
• Includes Nights, Weekends, and Holidays
• Mandatory Overtime as deemed necessary to fulfill operational needs

Citizenship Exceptions

1. Must be a permanent legal resident
2. Must be an honorably discharged veteran from the United States armed forces with at least two years of active service (Must have a DD-214 that reflects service time and discharge status)
3. Must provide evidence that they have applied for United States Citizenship