Chief Deputy Clerk - Elections

Position Information

This employee works in all areas of the Sheriff's Office and may be assigned to any unit with daily interaction with inmates. New employees are initially assigned to the state‑of‑the‑art direct supervision Detention Facility. Deputies may rotate to other areas based on the needs of the Sheriff's Office; the majority of positions remain at the facility. Most employees work 12‑hour fixed shifts (days, nights, weekends and holidays) for 15 days per month.

Deputies earn full salary and benefits while training at the Academy. The Detention Facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association.

Supervising and monitoring the daily activities of inmates: security within housing units, inmate visits, booking/processing, program activities, food service, recreation and general work assignments; managing inmate behavior and using appropriate force; supervising inmates assigned to Inmate Work Programs; receiving and screening the public seeking admittance to the facility; and processing inmates’ personal property and money.

Secure courtrooms; monitor courts in session; escort prisoners to and from courts and the Detention Facility; perform security checks within the Courthouse; respond to security issue problems and Courthouse incidents.

Serve legal papers; execute criminal warrants issued by the Court; take individuals into custody; and schedule and execute Court‑ordered evictions.

Transport inmates and other individuals in custody to and from other correctional facilities, hearings, medical facilities, and doctor’s appointments.

The nature of the work requires an element of danger and physical exertion. Employees must communicate effectively, solve problems, write concise reports, maintain good physical conditioning, and act quickly and calmly as part of a team under stress.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment or within 3 months of the 21st birthday on the date of application
• Excellent physical condition
• US citizenship at the time of application
• Bondable for handling Commonwealth funds
• Valid driver’s license from the applicant’s residence
• Availability for emergency calls, standby duty, overtime, and details outside the facility
• Willingness to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and fixed 12‑hour shifts

Employees must complete the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy (NVCJTA) within the first 12 months of employment, passing all academic, physical, driving and firearms phases. In‑service training and firearms qualifications are required throughout employment.

The Sheriff's Office requires a 24‑month commitment after successful completion of the NVCJTA. Termination within one year results in full reimbursement of training costs; termination between one and two years incurs a prorated reimbursement.

Online applications are not accepted. Applications must be completed at the test site:
Arlington County Courthouse, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington County, Virginia. The written examination is offered on a first‑come, first‑serve basis on the dates listed. Candidates require a driver’s license for the written test.

Applicants who pass the written test complete a character/background questionnaire and a polygraph administered by a licensed examiner. Background investigation includes a polygraph, photos, fingerprints, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug test. Successful completion of all components is required before employment.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Contact the ADA Coordinator at 703‑228‑3559.

• Paid leave: vacation and sick leave accrue at four hours biweekly, increasing to eight hours after 12+ years; eleven paid holidays.
• Health, dental and vision insurance: three group health plans offered; county pays a significant portion of premiums; dental and discount vision plans…