DETENTION OFFICER - CERTIFIED Multiple

Durham County Department of Social Services; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 51,504 - 87,763; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Sheriff's Office is seeking certified Detention Officers to join our team. This full-time position requires NC Detention Officer Certification, a valid NC driver's license, and compliance with rules. Selected candidates will process inmates, maintain order, and support daily operations.

Responsibilities include supervising inmates, escorting and transporting as needed, and maintaining records. Applicants must live within 50 miles of downtown Durham or relocate.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws governing the operation of the DCFD.

Responsibilities

• Process inmates into custody and supervise according to rules.
• Patrol defined areas to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervise inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and related activities.
• Escort and transport inmates as required.
• Secure cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepare routine inmate records and perform clerical duties as needed.
• Arrange visits, inspect items brought into the jail, and check mail.

Skills

Knowledge of laws governing detention

Forms and records handling

Stamina

Discipline and order

Confinement awareness

Dealing with inmates and visitors

Judgment under pressure

Interpersonal relationships

Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov

DEPARTMENT:

Office of the Sheriff

DATE POSTED: January 5, 2026

CLOSING DATE: December 31, 2026

SALARY MIN: $51,504.00

SALARY MAX: $87,763.00

POSITION NUMBER: 4000533

JOB TYPE: FULL-TIME

• VACANCIES WILL BE FILLED AS THEY OCCUR

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is seeking certified Detention Officers who embody the values and diversity of the Durham County community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process inmates into custody, search prisoners, attend to personal property, provide opportunity to call attorney or relative, advise on institutional rules and regulations.
• Patrol defined areas to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervise inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Respond to special needs of prisoners and attempts to resolve individual problems.
• Escort and transport inmates as required.
• Secure cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepare routine records on inmates; performs general clerical duties, prepares court lists.
• Ensure care and maintenance of quarters, and recreational equipment used by inmates.
• Arrange visits, inspect items brought into the jail, check incoming and outgoing mail.
• Perform related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws governing the operation of the DCFD.
• Knowledge of forms, records, and reports used in the detention facility.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to maintain discipline and order among inmates.
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with inmates and visitors.
• Ability to use sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing, and raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a current NC Detention Officer Certification and be in good standing with the NC Sheriff Training and Standards Commission.
• Must have a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
• Must pass a reading comprehension exam and a physical ability/readiness test.
• Must live within 50 miles of downtown Durham (or willing to relocate upon being hired).

If you have any questions please contact the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Training and Recruitment Division [phone].

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh