Inmate Classification Specialist

maricopa; Red Hook (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 35,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4/10 schedule

Health plans from $70/month

Arizona ASRS pension

Holidays 10/year + 1 personal day

Paid sick leave

Parental leave

KinderCare discounts

Job summary

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is hiring an Inmate Classification Specialist to assess and assign custody levels, place inmates in appropriate housing, and coordinate medical referrals. The role emphasizes safe, least-restrictive custody and compliance with PREA, while supporting a rehabilitative environment.

The position supports a 4/10 schedule with opportunities for growth, training, and pension through the Arizona State Retirement System, along with vacation, sick, and parental leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Administration, Counseling, or Behavioral Health, or closely related field.
• OR Associate's degree with two years of qualifying experience.
• OR Four years of qualifying experience.
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license or ability to obtain by time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Promotes a professional work environment and positive working relationships within classification and detention staff.
• Monitors workload and prioritizes classifications to meet court timeframes.
• Researches booking history, criminal history, and court information per policy.
• Interviews inmates and notes significant information; obtains signatures for classification documents.
• Ensures PREA compliance by conducting inmate questionnaires.
• Assigns security classifications and sub-class housing levels in SHIELD with notes/alerts.
• Reclassifies inmates per policy; manages inmates in Administrative Restrictive or Closed Custody housing.
• Responds to inmate requests; communicates with medical/mental health staff to determine housing.
• Trains new employees on policy and procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate's degree + 2 years experience

4 years qualifying experience

Job description

About the Position

The Inmate Classification Specialist assesses, evaluates, and assigns appropriate custody levels for inmates, ensuring placement in the least restrictive custody level in order to meet the needs of the inmate, the security of staff members, and the security of jail facilities. This position places inmates in special housing as needed, refers to crisis counseling, makes medical or psychiatric referrals, and contacts community resources. By providing accurate inmate classifications, the Specialist helps to minimize the risk of violence, promote a rehabilitative environment within the facility, and create an atmosphere that prioritizes the welfare of inmates and staff.

About the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office:

Do you possess integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and do you have a desire to serve your community? We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian, Detention and Sworn personnel. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizona's leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety.

Compensation is more than a salary with MCSO:

• Growth and stability since 1871
• Exceptional work-life balance: 4/10 schedule based on business needs
• Manageable workload
• Opportunity for criminal polygraph examinations
• Training opportunities with AZ Polygraph Association, American Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists
• Network with other case agencies
• Choice of three medical plans - starting as low as $70/month
• Holidays - 10/year + 1 personal day
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System (Pension)
• Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption)
• 30% discount at KinderCare daycare facilities in the Valley
• MCKids Club daycare next to headquarters.
• Access to free County gyms
• Learn more at Benefits Overview

Position Qualifications

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Administration, Counseling, or Behavioral Health, or a closely related field.

OR

• Associate's degree and two (2) years of qualifying experience
• Four (4) years of qualifying experience

Other requirements

Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire.

Training that may be provided on-the-job: Safety; Payroll; PREA.

Prior to hiring, the Sheriff's Office requires that all candidates pass an extensive background review.

Our Preferred Candidate has

Experience working in a corrections, detention, or law enforcement environment.

Essential Job Tasks

(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)

• Promotes a professional work environment that fosters positive working relationships within classification, detention, CHS staff, and other agencies.
• Monitors daily workload and prioritizes classifications to ensure compliance within court mandated time frames.
• Researches prior booking information, criminal histories, and court information in accordance with department policy.
• Interviews inmates and notes any significant information; acquires inmate signatures for all necessary classification documents.
• Ensures compliance with PREA by conducting questionnaires with inmates.
• Distributes the Informational Handbook for Inmates to inmates.
• Provides risk avoidance counseling to help inmates identify potential risks and implement strategies to reduce or eliminate them, and basic justice system procedure information to inmates unfamiliar with jail protocol.
• Assigns the security classification and the sub-classification housing levels in SHIELD. Adds appropriate notes and alerts as required by department policy and procedure.
• Reclassifies inmates based on department policy and procedure.
• Manages inmates located in Administrative Restrictive or Closed Custody housing, reviews files on weekly and/or monthly basis and submits requests to the corresponding Special Management Review Committees in accordance with office policy.
• Responds to inmate tank orders and requests in accordance with office policy.
• Communicates with Correctional Health's medical and mental health personnel to determine appropriate housing based upon the inmate's current health conditions or concerns.
• Answers incoming telephone calls, assists other departments with questions or concerns, and routes calls to supervisors as needed.
• Maintains compliance in reviewing policy.
• Trains new employees as direc

Pay Range MIN - MID - MAX $25.25 - $33.75 - $42.25

Job Type Unclassified

Department Sheriff