Detention Officer

Jackson County, NC; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County, NC is seeking a Detention Officer responsible for inmate security, safety, and welfare within the detention facility. The role supports medical passings, maintains logs, and manages inmate movements and housing per state regulations.

Candidates must meet NC certifications, be able to work varied shifts including nights and weekends, and be a US citizen at hire. The position requires strong observation, reporting, and communication skills to ensure orderly operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must complete Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) within 12 months of hire.
• US citizenship and age 21+ at time of employment.

Responsibilities

• Visually checks all inmates at designated times.
• Counts inmates at designated times.
• Processes inmates into and out of the facility and handles special inmate transfers.
• Assists with medical needs and medication passing.
• Maintains shift logs, inmate records and files.
• Escorts inmates to court and manages visitation.
• Operates main and second control rooms; ensures visitor safety.
• Performs laundry/cleaning duties and related tasks.
• Classifies inmates and houses them per state statutes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Inmate supervision

Security procedures

Communication skills

Observation & reporting

Vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

This position ensures that all inmates are secured, and medical needs are met. The Officer also ensures that the safety and welfare needs of both detention officers and inmates are addressed according to rules and regulations. Grade 22

• Visually checks all inmates at designated times.
• Performs additional checks on and segregate special inmates (suicide risk, high blood alcohol content, mentally ill, assault risk).
• Counts inmates at designated times.
• Ensures that all procedures are followed in detail for the receipt of new inmates.
• Performs laundry and cleaning duties.
• Processes inmates into and out of the facility; process work-release inmates in and out of the facility.
• Classifies inmates and house them according to state statutes.
• Performs inmate transfers to prison, other facilities and medical appointments; assists patrol with transporting involuntary commitments.
• Assists medical staff with passing medication and taking inmates to medical to see the nurse or doctor.
• Maintains shift logs (rounds and pass down), inmate records, and files.
• Escorts inmates to and from court.
• Sets up and monitors visitation.
• Runs main and second control rooms.
• Ensures the safety of all visitors to the facility.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent; compliance with the minimum standards for training and certification set by the state of North Carolina for detention center personnel; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• Possess a valid, State of North Carolina driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Must successfully complete the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) and obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Must be able to work a varied work schedule, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Must be a US Citizen and twenty-one (21) years of age at time of initial employment date.

• Knowledge of County and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the institution.
• Knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly.
• Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates.
• Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems.
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately.
• Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to possess good physical agility and endurance.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, members of the general public and other groups involved in the activities of the County as they relate to the department.