Detention Officer; Transportation

This position is open until filled.

The Detention Officer performs inmate detention and care work in the County Detention Center. Employees in this class work a rotating 12-hour shift and perform inmate intake, detention, care, transport, observation, and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the Detention Center and related care and recordkeeping requirements; and employees may be assigned to any work area within the facility and may also be assigned to accompany inmates to court or other assigned locations.

Patience and firmness are required in frequent contacts with some violent, suicidal, and mentally unstable inmates. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the shift supervisor on the assigned shift, and is evaluated through observation.

• May make regular rounds of detention facility to assure safety and security of inmates.
• Monitors inmate activity from control booth and opens and locks doors for staff.
• Processes incoming inmates, completes necessary intake paperwork, searches prisoners, obtains and secures inmates’ personal property, assigns and escorts inmates to proper holding facilities, advises inmates of Detention Center rules and regulations.
• Arranges contacts by visits or telephone calls between inmates and relatives, court officials, attorneys; escorts inmates to rooms.
• May oversee the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates’ medial status and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected.
• Distributes personal hygiene items, meals, linens, clothing, and other items to inmates; checks on intoxicated and other inmates in special medical or mental conditions.
• Prepares inmates for court.
• May supervise inmates in the cleaning of cells, service of food, cleaning of kitchens, office areas, clothes, and linens.
• Transports inmates to court, other detention facilities, medical and mental health treatment, and other necessary trips, usually locally; accompanies other officers to transport multiple inmates.
• Maintains logs of activities during the shift.
• As directed, returns personal property to individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must complete Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) mandated by the NC Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission. Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.
• Must meet the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention facility personnel. Employees not meeting the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention facility personnel should be placed in a trainee progression with a salary below hiring rate until minimum standards are met.

• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must be at least twenty (20) years of age.
• No felony convictions or serious misdemeanors.
• Must pass a medical exam, drug screen, and physical agility test.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including shift work.

• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Knowledge of federal, State, and local laws pertaining to inmate sentencing pretrial conditions, and release.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a hazardous and confining work environment.
• Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other employees, and the public.
• Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations…