Detention Deputy; Academy

General Summary

Supervises and maintains custody of inmates and provides security for the Ada County Jail. The incumbent uses personal judgement in the performance of duties, referring unusual, unique, or complex issues to the sergeant for advice and guidance.

Day shift (6:48am – 7:00pm) or Night shift (6:48pm – 7:00am). Work week is four 12‑hour shifts, then four days off (2,220 hours per year). Shift pick every six months. The jail is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position requires work on weekends, nights, and holidays.

• Low‑cost medical, dental, and vision insurances
• Idaho PERSI retirement plan
• Deferred Compensation plan 457(b) with a County match of up to 3%
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Health and Dependent Care
• Post‑Employment Health Plan – 50% of unused sick leave above 240 hours
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• No cost basic life, accidental death, and short‑term disability insurances
• Eleven paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave
• No cost gym access at three County owned gym facilities
• Wellness Program
• Optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA

Deputy Level I–IV and Base pay ranges from $29.03 to $46.42, depending on experience level (B–E) and grade (Level I–IV, Base). All salary increases are based on twelve‑month intervals.

• To receive lateral wages, applicants must have current POST certification. Eligibility for Level II requires either (1) Two years experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Four years experience in a state corrections system as a corrections officer.
• Level III eligibility: (1) Four years experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Six years experience in a state corrections system as a corrections officer.
• Level IV eligibility: (1) Six or more years total experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Eight years experience in a state corrections system as a corrections officer.
• Base wage eligibility: (1) Eight or more years total experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Ten years experience in a state corrections system as a corrections officer.

• Maintains security and custody of inmates.
• Performs routine security checks to include the perimeter of the building and grounds.
• Preserves and enforces Idaho laws and departmental jail policies to maintain security of the jail.
• Processes inmates into the jail and assigns them to the proper level of confinement.
• Receives and maintains inmates’ property.
• Forcefully controls and restrains actively resisting inmates.
• Works and maintains eligibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, whether assigned or on an as‑needed or on‑call basis.
• Supervises inmate visitations.
• Supervises the dispensing of food to inmates.
• Supervises inmates and trustee‑inmates in the cleaning of the jail and inmate living quarters.
• Transports inmates to and from necessary locations.
• Eligible for transfer among all Detention Officer positions and shifts.
• Performs necessary searches for weapons and contraband.
• Keeps records and prepares reports.

• May be assigned to special assignments as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to supervise and communicate with inmates.
• Ability to hear, listen to, and understand radio transmissions using an earpiece.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to take criticism and verbal abuse from inmates and their visitors without reacting in a negative manner and project an image of self‑confidence and control.
• Ability to subdue and restrain a combative inmate.
• Ability to evaluate and recognize potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy.
• Ability to perform the duties of the position without a direct threat to the health or safety of…