Senior Cell Block Attendant (Provisional

The Senior Cellblock Attendant functions as a working supervisor, on an assigned shift, in the city lock-up facility. The incumbents are responsible for the planning and directing of employees in the enforcement of rules and regulations governing the safety, security and general well being of prisoners. Work procedures are well defined, however, incumbents must be alert to emergency situations arising and exercise sound judgment when problems do occur.

General supervision is received from a sworn officer with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in the dealings with the day-to-day operation of the city lock-up facility. Immediate supervision is exercised over Cellblock Attendants.

• Supervises and participates, on an assigned shift, in the performance of duties relating to the safety, security and general well being of prisoners at the city lock-up facility;
• Makes periodic rounds and supervises the movement and activities of prisoners;
• maintains jail security at all times;
• searches cells and prisoners and confiscates contraband;
• monitors surveillance equipment including video and/or audio equipment;
• Monitors prisoners for unusual incidents or activities involving violation of lock-up rules or life threatening situations;
• screens prisoners for and verifies suicide prevention;
• if possible, mediates prisoners disputes;
• takes direct action to break up fights or other disturbances between prisoners;
• May be required, if departmentally trained, to use chemical agents, restraining devices and protection equipment in case of fights or other disturbances;
• Advises prisoners of the rules and regulations governing conduct, discipline, safety and their general well being while at the city lock-up facility;
• Distributes and accounts for prisoner?s meals;
• Assists in the intake process of prisoners by taking fingerprints and photo identification and issuance of disposable clothing and blankets;
• Directs and/or participates in prisoner transport;
• Operates and is responsible for a variety of assigned equipment including electronic gate equipment, two-way radios, leg irons, handcuffs etc.;
• Dispenses a variety of prescription medications as indicated by prisoners at time of their intake/booking;
• Maintains a variety of records related to the care of prisoners and security of the lock-up facility;
• May be required to train Cell Block Attendants;
• Prepares and submits reports as requested;
• May be required to present testimony in court;
• Performs related duties as required.

Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Police as a Cellblock Attendant for one year.

Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and two years of full time experience where worked involved the custody, security, conduct, safety and/or general well being of individuals in a detention or corrections setting.

• Candidates may be required to participate in a physical fitness test prior to appointment.
• Must successfully complete a 5-week training process conducted by the Department of Corrections and/or Buffalo Police Department within six months of date of appointment.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

• Thorough knowledge of and the ability to interpret the rules, regulations and requirements of the Correction Law and Buffalo Police Department governing the supervision and treatment of prisoners safety and the security of the facility and department employees;
• Thorough knowledge of and the ability to interpret the rules, regulations and requirements of the Correction Law and Buffalo Police Department governing the supervision and treatment of prisoners safety and the security of the facility and department employees;
• Thorough knowledge of the proper function of lock-up security equipment, devices and safe use of chemical restraining agents;
• Good knowledge of human behavior in relation to prisoners being detained in lock-up;
• Good knowledge of first aid procedures and techniques;
• Ability to plan and layout the location of security personnel post assignments throughout the city lock-up facility;
• Ability to observe, interpret and report on prisoner activity;
• Good powers of observation;
• Ability to possess a memory for facts and information;
• Ability to identify and solve problems;
• Ability to follow directions;
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;
• Ability to deal with prisoners firmly and courteously;
• Ability to make quick decisions regarding lock-up security and personnel safety in emergency situations;
• Sound judgment;
  Good address;
• Physical conditions commensurate with the demands of the position.