Detention Officer

Alamance County Government; North Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alamance County Sheriff's Office is seeking qualified Detention Officers to support the care, custody and supervision of inmates at the Alamance County Detention Center. The role emphasizes safety, professionalism and firm, courteous interaction with inmates and the public.

Candidates must meet age, education and credential requirements, and pass multiple background and medical screenings. Strong communication and decision-making skills are essential in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Detention officer certification in NC or ability to obtain.
• Must pass interviews, background checks, medical, polygraph and other screenings.

Responsibilities

• Accept custody of offenders and book into detention center.
• Maintain facility safety and security.
• Observe and monitor inmates and ensure compliance with rules.
• Escort offenders and respond to emergencies.
• Answer questions courteously and professionally.

Skills

Accountability

Accuracy

Autonomy

Communication

Written communication

Judgment

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

Detention management system

Job description

The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the Detention Officer position. This role involves performing a wide range of law enforcement duties related to the care, custody, and supervision of individuals housed in the Alamance County Detention Center. Detention Officers play a vital part in maintaining facility safety and security, preventing and detecting criminal activity, and upholding the criminal laws of North Carolina. Responsibilities include general jail operations, ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff, and maintaining order within the facility. Successful candidates must demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to interact with the public and inmates with tact, courtesy, and firmness. The position involves exposure to the typical risks associated with law enforcement environments.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sheriff and designated supervisory staff. Performance is evaluated through daily reports, supervisory conferences, and the overall effectiveness of security practices and policy compliance within the detention center.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Accept custody of offenders from the arresting officers and booking offenders into the detention center by completing required forms and utilizing the jail management system.
• Must have excellent computer skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Obtain and maintains certifications applicable for the position.
• Possess excellent report writing skills.
• Verifying the identification of persons in custody and checking for outstanding warrants.
• Escorting offenders throughout the detention center.
• Use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with the department’s mission and values.
• Reports to duty on time and has regular attendance.
• Exercises rational judgement.
• Maintains the confidence and trust of peers, superiors and the public.
• Excellent communication skills and possess the ability to work well with others.
• Answers phone calls, provides information to mail bondsmen, families, attorneys, court officials and other law enforcement personnel.
• Possess the ability to adjust to a fast-paced environment.
• Answer questions directed by the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Observe and monitor the status and behavior of offenders to gain compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards.
• Detects hazardous or emergency situations in the detention facility and assist in handling combative, uncooperative, and argumentative offenders.
• Carries out any or all other duties as directed by the Sheriff or his designee.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Possess as High School Diplomaor General Education Degree (GED).
• Possess avalid North Carolina driver's license.
• Currently hold or the ability to obtain a detention officer certification in the State of North Carolina through the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards.
• Must be able to successfully pass the following: Oral Interview, Background Check, Polygraph Examination, Medical, Exam, Psychological Exam, Drug Screening, and any other additional supplemental interviews with Detention Administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a detention or correctional facility.

Computer Skills: Proficient

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Autonomy – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others and respond to a diverse community.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and procedures.Use initiative and proper judgement when carrying out tasks and responsibilities.
• Multitasking -Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem Solving/Decision Making - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems. Possess the ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies.
• Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with elected officials, co-workers and the public.
• Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

Must be able to work independently and organize work to meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

N (Not Applicable)Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally)Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs./day)

F (Frequently)Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs./day)

C (Constantly)Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs./day)

Physical Demands

• Stand C
• Walk C
• Sit O
• Manually Manipulate F
• Reach Outward F
• Reach Above Shoulder F
• Climb O
• Crawl O
• Squat or Kneel O
• Bend F
• Talk/Hear C
• See C
• Taste/SmellO

Lift/Carry

• 10 lbs. or less F
• 11-20 lbs. F
• 21-50 lbs. F
• 51-100 lbs. F
• Over 100 lbs. F

Push/Pull

• 12 lbs. or less F
• 13-25 lbs. F
• 26-40 lbs. F
• 41-100 lbs. F

Other Physical Requirements

• Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral)
• Color Differentiation: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to use general office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoors and outdoors. May encounter temperatures above 90 degrees and below 40 degrees
• Confined areas and use of stairs or ladders
• Exposure to chemical and fumes, smoke and dust, wet and damp areas
• Exposure to high noise, dim and bright lighting

The Detention Officer Position will be located within the Detention Center at the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, Graham, NC. The position does require work within a team environment and interaction with detention administration, supervisors, other administrative support staff, court personnel, contract staff/vendors, and all members of the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office.