Detention Services Worker (Custodian)

Contra Costa County; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Reliable pension

Alternate schedule (4/10)

Job summary

Contra Costa County's Office of the Sheriff seeks a Detention Services Worker to perform cleaning, sanitation, and basic maintenance in county detention facilities located in Martinez, Richmond, and Clayton. This role supports a team in a structured environment and helps ensure safe, well‑maintained facilities for inmates and staff.

Under general supervision, you will work a 4/10 alternate schedule with opportunities for career development and a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver's License.
• At least one year in Detention Services Aide or one year in institutional cleaning/maintenance.
• Experience in custodial or detention settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining cleanliness.
• Sanitizing detention facilities.
• Ensuring overall appearance of assigned areas.
• Stocking various areas with necessary supplies.
• Providing great service.
• Giving direction to inmates.
• Working and communicating with coworkers on daily tasks.
• Lifting and moving heavy items (up to 50lbs.)

Skills

Custodial standards

Institutional experience

Verbal communication

De-escalation

Inmate supervision

Safety procedures

Job description

The Position

Last day to apply: 10/14/2026

Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - General Services & Maintenance Unit

Why work at Contra Costa County - Office of the Sheriff?

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services. The Office of the Sheriff offers a full range of services to over 1,000,000 residents in the 715-square mile county. The duties and mission of the Sheriff's Office are unlike most police agencies. Responsibilities include unincorporated area policing, contract cities (Danville, Lafayette, and Orinda) and special districts, air support (helicopters), marine patrol, dispatch, investigations, coroners, county detention facilities, custody alternative, court security, forensic services, police academy, and Office of Emergency Services.

Contra Costa County is currently recruiting to fill Detention Services Worker vacancies; the current vacancy is within the Office of the Sherrif, however, this list may be used to fill other county-wide vacancies as they arise.

This is a great opportunity for individuals with custodial, maintenance, or facility support experience who are interested in working in a structured, team-oriented environment. County detention facilities are located in Martinez, Richmond, and Clayton, CA.

Under general supervision, Detention Services Workers perform a variety of essential duties including cleaning, sanitation, basic maintenance, and support services to help ensure safe, clean, and well-maintained detention facilities. This is the journey-level classification in the Detention Services series. Positions in this class work under the direction of a Lead Detention Services Worker or a Detention Services Supervisor and play a key role in the daily operations and upkeep of County detention facilities.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• An effective communicator. Able to builds and maintain relationships through thoughtful communication.
• Is inclusive. Able to work comfortably with others and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Team oriented. Has a positive attitude and supports shared goals.
• Composed. Able to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Dependable. Demonstrates reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to completing assignments with care and consistency.

What you will typically be responsible for

• Maintaining cleanliness.
• Sanitizing detention facilities.
• Ensuring overall appearance of assigned areas.
• Stocking various areas with necessary supplies.
• Providing great service.
• Giving direction to inmates.
• Working and communicating with coworkers on daily tasks.
• Lifting and moving heavy items (up to 50lbs.)

A few reasons why you might love this job

• You will work in a team-oriented environment.
• You will have the opportunity to work an alternate schedule (4/10).
• You will have a great work/life balance.
• You will work with great staff with years of knowledge and experience you can learn from.
• You will be eligible for competitive benefits and a reliable pension.

A few challenges you might face in this job

• You will work non-traditional work schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• You will have occasional overtime based on operational needs.
• You will provide direction/supervision to inmates in a secure environment.

Competencies required

• Building and Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Handling and Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations.
• Professional impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization.
• Driving Results: Demonstrating concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal standard of excellence.
• Self-management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
• Innovative problem solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business.
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information.
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may remain in effect for up to six (6) months. This list may also be used to fill future vacancies in other County departments utilizing this classification.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Experience: Either (1) one year in the class of Detention Services Aide in Contra Costa County, OR (1) one year of institutional cleaning and maintenance experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of custodial and sanitation standards.
• Experience working in an institutional or correctional environment.
• Strong verbal communication and de-escalation skills.
• Experience supervising or directing inmate workers or similar crews.
• Understanding of safety, security and emergency procedures.
• Positive, team-oriented approach with a strong work ethic.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits