Detention Officer I

Wilson County Government; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision

12 Paid Holidays

401k

Retirement

Health Savings Account

Employee Discounts on Gym Memberships

Job summary

Wilson County Government is seeking a Detention Officer I to perform intermediate protective service work in the Detention Center, with supervision by the Detention Sergeant. Responsibilities include admitting inmates, maintaining security, transporting inmates to court and medical facilities, and ensuring fair treatment and safety for inmates and staff.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, NC driver’s license, and detention officer certification, plus CPR and fire safety

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; minimal detention center/security experience acceptable.
• Must possess a valid NC driver's license.
• Detention officer certification by the NC Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.
• Certification in Fire Safety and Operation, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens.

Responsibilities

• Admit and book inmates; ensure proper booking, searches, and contact with attorneys and relatives.
• Transport inmates to court, medical appointments, and other facilities while maintaining safety.
• Maintain logs, prepare reports, and oversee inmate movements and assignments.
• Supervise visits, inspections, and inmate daily routines; monitor security and order.
• Operate control panels, surveillance systems, and data entry for inmate records.
• Provide crisis intervention, counseling, and coordination with medical staff as needed.

Skills

Inmate supervision

Communication

Decision making

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

WILSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: DETENTION OFFICER I

DETENTION CENTER

FLSA: Non-exempt

Compensation/Benefits:

The starting salary for a Detention Officer I is $47,088.

Non-sworn applicants with an end goal of becoming a Sheriff's Deputy are encouraged to apply for the Detention Center.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 401k
• Retirement
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Discounts on Gym Memberships & Local Businesses

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Performs intermediate protective service work processing inmates, maintaining Detention Center security, transporting inmates to court, medical and related facilities, does related work as required. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Detention Sergeant.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Admits and books new inmates; ensures that inmates are properly booked and searched, and are allowed calls to attorneys and relatives; calls bondsman if necessary; advises inmates of Detention Center rules and regulations; ensures the proper forms, photographs, fingerprints, etc. are completed on individual inmates; locks prisoners in cellblocks.

Secures inmates' property, properly storing and returning appropriate items upon release.

Prepares and transports inmates from the Detention Center to court, to medical and dental appointments, other detention facilities, etc., maintaining the safety and well-being of the inmates and the general public.

Reviews logs and reports from previous shift; maintains knowledge of inmate population and assignments; compiles schedules and lists of inmates to be transported; prepares various reports and logs, including jail lists, bond sheets, photo logs, inmate cash records, confinement reports, incident reports, etc.

Attending assigned station, maintaining security and order; performs head counts and periodic cellblock and cell checks; conducts periodic and surprise cell searches for contraband; observes inmates' demeanor to determine mental state and possible need for treatment and/or closer observation; patrols entire jail area periodically to prevent escapes and maintain order.

Supervises medical treatment of inmates in the Center and maintains security during medical call; maintains a log of inmates requiring medication; administers medication appropriately.

Communicates with inmates, giving information and directions, mediating disputes, and advising of rights and processes; listens to inmates' complaints; resolves inmates' conflicts and problems; performs crisis intervention as needed, including counseling, suicide prevention, etc.

Supervises visitation of inmates; assists visitors; inspects items brought to jail for inmates.

Maintains the security of the jail at all times; maintains the safety and well-being of the inmates; removes violent and disorderly inmates from cells; reassigns inmates to other cells; performs perimeter inspections within and outside Detention Center; breaks up fights and affrays; pursues fleeing inmates and performs rescue operations, as required.

Operates control panels to open and close doors in the facility; performs visual and audio surveillance of doors and activities of inmates and staff.

Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various database programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information on inmates.

Supervise inmates during meals, showers and work detail; opens recreation area and inspects area daily.

Dispenses mail, canteen and cleaning supplies; distribute clothing and indigent supplies; dispense over the-counter medical supplies; may supervise changing of linens; may distribute personal hygiene supplies, etc.

Assists Magistrate, Sheriff Deputies, court personnel, etc., as needed; distributes legal papers to inmates, as required.

Maintains assigned station and area, including mopping floors, removing trash, etc.

Operates laundry equipment to wash and dry inmates' clothing operations at night or on weekends, as assigned.

May unload supply delivery trucks; stocks supply room, as needed.

Logs incoming and outgoing mail; distributes mail.

Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED and minimal experience working in a detention center or security position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
• Certification as a detention officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.
• Certification in Fire Safety and Operation, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS

REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools including computers, typewriters, copiers, two-way radios, laundry equipment, restraint devices, transport restraint gear, pepper spray, cameras, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work may require standing, walking, running and physical confrontation. Physical demand requirements are those for Heavy Work.

Data Conception

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication

Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to conveyor exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.

Language Ability

Requires the ability to read a variety of lists, orders, legal papers, procedures, plans, records, schedules, manuals, forms, reports, logs, etc. Requires the ability to prepare lists, forms, logs, reports, records, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence

Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral and diagrammatic or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages, including computer, counseling, medical, legal and law enforcement terminology and sign language.

Numerical Aptitude

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; to multiply and divide; to calculate decimals and percentages.

Form/Spatial Aptitude

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination

Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using law enforcement equipment.

Manual Dexterity

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as law enforcement equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be ad.'1ptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

Physical Communication

Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of the supervision and care of inmates in a detention facility.

Some knowledge of practices and procedures involved in jail management.

Some knowledge of local laws, ordinances and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement and release of prisoners.

Skill in the use of restraint devices and other law enforcement equipment.

Ability to maintain discipline and order in a jail and to effectively restrain an inmate.

Ability to make decisions and take prompt and effective action in emergency situations.

Ability to prepare and maintain routine records and logs.

Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, firmness and fairness with inmates, families of inmates, attorneys, ministers and other persons concerning the welfare of individual prisoners.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Special Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Last Revised: 4/2/2015