Detention Center Director

The Detention Center Director is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, direction and control necessary for the operation of the jail within accepted standards and applicable law. The Director makes independent decisions and represents the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office in a professional manner. This position reports to the Sheriff and directly supervises the Security Lieutenant, Program & Facilities Director, Clinic Director, and Office Manager.

• Align actions with the Sheriff's Office vision, mission, values and goals.
• Establish and maintain the global direction of the facility.
• Monitor trends in corrections to keep the facility current with best practices.
• Be knowledgeable of all jail operations (security, medical, programs, etc.)
• Be familiar with all contracts and vendors related to GCDC.
• Understand the budget process and work with the accountant to set and allocate the budget for jail needs.
• Advocate for the needs of the Detention Center.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate special projects with minimal disruption to the facility.
• Research proposed projects and follow through in a timely manner while communicating progress with staff.
• Anticipate and avert potential problems with inmates, staff, contractors, etc.
• Make appropriate judgments of needed actions for a variety of situations.
• Function effectively under emergency and stressful situations.

• Supervise, hold accountable, evaluate, and mentor the DC administrative team.
• Support the Office Manager with hiring and promotion of personnel.
• Approve payroll, workers compensation claims, LWOP and military time, etc.
• Oversee development of future leaders in the organization.
• Ensure staff training is completed as required by state law and Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and maintain open lines of communication.
• Allocate staff properly.
• Develop staff appreciation events/activities on an ongoing basis.
• Schedule work to allow each shift to be seen at least twice a month.
• Act as a mediator when needed for issues between staff.
• Understand and follow the negotiated contract.
• Investigate and/or facilitate investigations of alleged violations of personnel rules and policies.

• Maintain a working knowledge of all positions within the Detention Center.
• Be accountable for overall safe and secure operation of the Detention Center with assistance from the Security Lieutenant.
• Support the Clinic Director to ensure care of inmates.
• Work with the Program Director to implement inmate programs.
• Per standards, complete a walk-through of the facility weekly.
• Act as an active member of the safety committee.
• Ensure equipment is in good working order.
• Be knowledgeable of inmate rights and ensure those rights are afforded to inmates.
• Be knowledgeable of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its impact on staff and inmates.
• Handle inmate grievances that are appealed to Detention Director level.
• Oversee high‑risk inmate care with the admin team.
• Work with the Transport Sergeant on room and board beds, out‑of‑county contracts, and transportation of inmates.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local laws, rules and regulations.
• Manage the facility using Montana jail standards.
• Develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures for operation of the Detention Center.
• Follow P&P and hold staff accountable for following it.
• Complete ongoing annual review of P&P and keep it current.
• Seek input from the County Attorney’s Office regarding legality of new policies and procedures.

• Be factual and truthful with information, providing accurate, complete, and up-to-date information as needed.
• Inform the Sheriff/Undersheriff of positive actions and potential problems at GCDC.
• Be an effective oral and written communicator.
• Manage public complaints brought through the complaint process.
• Work through issues with arresting agencies.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with the County Attorney on legal issues.
• Accept subpoenas for the Detention Center and work with the proper attorney.
• Communicate professionally with judges and inmate attorneys as needed.
• Prov…