Detention Officer

DETENTION OFFICER

An employee in this position performs inmate detention work on a shift in the Harnett County Detention Center for the Office of the Sheriff. This includes observing and accompanying inmates inside the detention center along with related care and record keeping requirements. Annual Salary: Detention Officer: $48,078.00

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions of the position include:

• Receiving inmates by conducting search, completing required intake forms, photographing and fingerprinting, and securing personal property.
• Overseeing the security and activities of inmates; supervising meals and cleaning of facilities; distributing personal property; monitoring inmates' medical status; and taking actions when illness or injury is suspected.
• Providing non-confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel; maintaining files on inmates; searching incoming property delivered to inmates; and verifying visitor acceptance by inmate.
• Releasing inmates on bond due to court order or time served; ensuring release papers are proper and complete; returning personal property to individual, and completing forms providing required documentation of release.
• Writing reports; maintaining records.
• Ensuring jail is secure; enforcing rules; maintaining order; taking care of law-and-order situations in the jail; monitoring security cameras; and keeping a careful watch on the inmates.
• Answering phones.
• Facilitating transportation to/from court and medical care.
• Coordinating court activities with court clerks, bailiffs, and district attorney.
• Conducting background checks.
• Supervising cleaning and maintenance of detention facilities and fixtures.
• Assisting at the Master Control Center, as assigned: controlling doors and gates; conducting and logging periodic checks on communication systems, alarms, electric gates, intercoms, phones, and visual recording systems; notifying supervisor on any alarms; contacting local law enforcement as instructed; and maintaining communications with any area of facility experiencing disturbances.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum requirements to perform work include:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• No experience required; or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Completion of the minimum requirements of Detention Officer Certification Training Standard established by the state of North Carolina for Detention Officers.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• 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 dealing tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a hazardous and confining work environment.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, inmates and their families, employees, and the public.
• Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations and sounds in the facility and exercise judgment in determining potential security problems.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Physical demands include: Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to process records and reports, work with color or depth perception, observe activities in the jail, determine accuracy/neatness/thoroughness of work assigned, operate office/detention center equipment, and inspect for defects. Work environment includes: The employee is subject to hazards associated with custody work including working in inside environments; with exposure to various hazards such as noise, a variety of physical conditions, and close quarters; and with exposure to human body fluid and thus are subject to OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens. Employees may be assigned to work any shift and come in frequent contact with violent, suicidal, and mentally unstable inmates.

Harnett County takes pride in offering an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, membership in the North Carolina Local Government retirement, free health clinic for employees and anyone in their household and other benefits.