Detention Officer

Johnson County, Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Iowa City seeks a Detention Officer to supervise inmates, manage daily jail operations, and respond to emergencies with professionalism. The role emphasizes maintaining safety, order, and inmate rights while upholding policy and law.

The position requires a high school diploma, residency within Johnson County area, and completion of mandatory corrections training within the first year, with ongoing CE.

Qualifications

• High school graduate (or equivalent).
• Successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education in correctional facilities within the first year and 20 hours annually thereafter.
• Must reside in Johnson County or within 25 miles within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Answer phones and route inquiries.
• Process inmate activities including intake, releases, court appearances, visits.
• Conduct searches of inmates, vehicles, packages, and equipment; inventory property.
• Supervise inmates during meals, recreation, and routines; ensure safety and sanitation.
• Maintain jail security through restricted access controls and routine rounds.
• Use force or restraints when needed and respond to emergencies calmly and decisively.
• Document incidents accurately in logs and electronic records; operate jail computers.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Calm under pressure

Effective communication

Judgment and quick decision-making

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Jail computer system

Radio/Intercom systems

Security monitoring equipment

Job description

## Detention OfficerApply: Iowa City, IA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 15, 2026 (20 days left to apply): JR100105**Address:**511 S Capitol St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240**Salary Range (Min-Mid)**$32.41 - $36.47**Dept./Office/Position Type**Sheriff Office - IUAT Local 203**Employee Type**Regular**Job Description****DEFINITION AND DUTIES:**Under general supervision of Jail Administrator and/or command structure set by the Sheriff. Performs work involving custody, care and discipline of inmates on an assigned shift.**Knowledge of:*** Facility security procedures and controls* Law enforcement rules, codes, regulations* Conflict resolution and negotiation* Current CPR and first aid techniques, practices, and lifesaving medical devices* English language to include basic grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary**Ability to:*** Remain calm in adverse circumstances and maintain effective discipline. Contain and control inmates during stressful situations.* Exercise good judgment, think and react quickly and decisively* Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner* Operate systems, communications equipment, intercoms, radios, security monitor, and multi-line telephones* Quickly recognize behavior problems or security issues and take immediate action to intervene* Complete training requirements as defined by the Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Administrative Code* Enforce Jail rules and regulations firmly and fairly* Follow oral and written instructions* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other law enforcement officials, supervisors, and members of the public* *Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias** Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate* Handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position* Use proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in written and electronically generated Johnson County Jail reports.* Utilize the jail computer system to enter data and produce reports* Accurately document incidents containing clear, concise, and complete information in chronological order. Analyze data and reach logical conclusions* Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication. Effectively communicate orally, written, and electronically* Occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull up to 35 pounds* Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl* Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits use of a keyboard and mouse* Have sufficient vision which permits production and review of a wide variety of materials both in electronic and hardcopy forms* Work flexible schedule and occasional overtime as needed**MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:**High school graduate (or equivalent).**Special requirements:** Successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education in the administration of correctional facilities is required the first year and 20 hours of such education is required each year thereafter. Must reside in Johnson County or within a twenty-five mile radius of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office within six months of hire. Safe driving records and insurable under County liability coverage. Must pass background investigation.**SPECIFIC DUTIES:** *to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation***The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.*** Answers the telephone and responds to inquiries; and when necessary, routes phone calls.* Process inmate activities including intake and releases, court appearances, phone calls, visitation, etc. for each shift.* Processes inmates into custody, conducts searches of inmates, vehicles, packages, and equipment; inventories and takes charge of personal property.* Supervises inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, personal hygiene and related activities.* Provides for the inmate’s basic needs, physical safety, well-being, sanitary conditions, and ensures that inmate rights are adhered to.* Maintains control and internal security of the Johnson County Jail through visual monitoring from restricted access control rooms.* Patrols facilities and makes security checks; conducts rounds, and inmate counts; inspects all areas of the Jail for safety/security deficiencies. Including escorting and transporting inmates to and from different locations/facilities.* Use force and apply restraining devices when appropriate.* Responds in a calm, confident and organized manner to emergency situations such as alarms, altercations, or medical emergencies.* Maintains logs, prepares reports, enters information into electronic record system.* Distributes and administers medications to inmates as prescribed.* Identifies serious or life-threatening medical conditions, makes the appropriate notifications, and administers basic first aid and/or lifesaving aid with or without medical devices.* Operates electronic doors, telephone systems, two-way radios, intercom, alarm systems, closed circuit TV systems, computer terminals, and other related equipment.* Participates in training/educational opportunities and work-related meetings as required.* Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreement, and safety practices.* Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.**Supplemental Description****Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.** *The anticipated hiring range is $32.41-34.73 per hour. Placement within the range will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, directly related experience. Candidates whose experience closely aligns with the position may be considered for an advanced starting step.*