Detention Officer

Madison County Commission; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Madison County Commission in Huntsville, AL is hiring Detention Officers to supervise inmates, oversee housing units, meals, recreation, and transport custody. Positions require passing drug screens, background checks, and fitness tests.

Classification will be commensurate with experience across Officer I-III levels. Responsibilities include patrolling, supervising inmates, maintaining counts, completing certifications (OC spray, TASER), and reporting incidents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Promotion probation of 1 year required.
• Pass drug screen, physical, and criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas for inmate security and grounds safety.
• Escort inmates to work assignments and maintain order during meals and recreation.
• Maintain perpetual counts and report inmate movements.
• Complete OC and TASER certifications.
• Prepare reports of incidents and rule violations.
• Inspect facilities for safety hazards and cleanliness.

Skills

Supervision

Report writing

Self-defense

Emergency awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

OC Pepper Spray Certification

TASER Certification

In-house Training

Field Training Program

Job description

*Annual salary calculated based on 2184 hours*

Under general supervision, performs routine duties in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures to maintain order and provide for the security, care and direct supervision of inmates/residents in housing units, at meals, during recreation, on work assignments and during all other phases of activity in a correctional facility.

Please note: In this position, you must be able to pass a drug screen, physical examination, and criminal background check. You must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:

• Detention Officer I - 0 to 4 years of experience
• Detention Officer II - 4 to 8 years of experience
• Detention Officer III - 8+ years of experience

(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)

• Patrols assigned areas at various intervals for security of inmates, count of inmates and security of buildings and grounds.
• Complete OC (pepper spray) and TASER certification.
• Complete in-house training academy and Field Training program.
• Remains alert for signs of disorder or tension.
• Inspects quarters, facilities, and work locations for unauthorized materials.
• Checks sanitary conditions and fire and safety hazards, such as unsafe tools and equipment.
• Keeps records and makes reports on such matters as inmate movements and progress and offender's violation of rules.
• Escorts individuals or groups of inmates to work assignments.
• Maintains order and discipline during work and during bathing, meals, and recreational activities.
• Ensures inmates meet institutional standards of conduct.
• Keeps perpetual count on assigned inmates.
• Supervises offenders in various work details including general clean-up of institutional grounds and buildings.
• Supervises inmates in court transports and medical transports.
• Supervises and accounts for meal services and all inmate interactions with in-house medical staff.
• Takes custody of personal effects.
• Performs related work as required.

Education and Experience

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and any combination of training and experience which provides the ability to perform job specifications. Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:
  • Detention Officer I - 0 to 5 years of experience
  • Detention Officer II - 5 to 8 years of experience
  • Detention Officer III - 8 to 12 years of experience

• Must complete one (1) year of promotional probation beginning on the date of the promotion.

Skills for Success

• Working knowledge of, and familiarization with, appropriate agency rules and regulations;
• Ability to supervise effectively and obtain results from offenders who may not be work motivated;
• Some knowledge of psychology, sociology, alcoholism, drug addiction and criminology;
• Ability to defend oneself physically;
• Ability to operate cell house range and/or dormitory controls;
• Ability to prepare reports of unusual happenings, accidents or violations of rules;
• Alertness and ability to act quickly and effectively in an emergency;
• Ability to keep abreast of progress and study in the field of corrections;
• Willingness to participate in training programs as required.

Physical Requirements

• Climb multiple flights of steps during rounds ascending to the upper tiers.
• Prolonged walking, prolonged standing greater than one hour, pushing and or pulling wheeled carts in excess of 200 pounds.
• Brief periods of intense physical exertion when physical engagement with non-compliant or disruptive inmates is required.
• Periods of repetitive bending, stooping or crawling to perform cell searches.
• Must pass a Physical Agility Test. This includes 10 pushups, 15 sit-ups, and running a mile in 12 minutes.

Certifications or Licenses Required

• Must be able to successfully complete OC (pepper spray) and TASER certification, provided by Madison County.
• Must be able to successfully complete in-house training academy and Field Training program, provided by Madison County.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.

Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.