Detention Officer

Jail Detention Officer

Employees in this class perform inmate detention, care, security, intake and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the jail, serving meals, medical staff escort, related care and record keeping requirements. Employees must exercise independent initiative and judgement in making decision regarding inmates and their custody, with suicidal, violent, or mentally unstable tendencies, and in dealing with attorneys, families, and others. Work involves exercising tact, firmness, and decisiveness in handling routine and emergency situations. Employees are subject to hazards in law enforcement work including working inside a jail environment and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazards such as cleaning chemicals, close quarters, and narrow passages. Work is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed for adherence to regulations and procedures, accuracy of paperwork, adherence to schedules, and effective interpersonal skills and decision-making in dealing with inmates and coworkers.

Examples of duties include:

• Processing incoming inmates, completing necessary intake paperwork, searching prisoners, obtaining and securing inmates' personal property, assigning and escorting inmates to proper holding facilities, advising inmates of detention center rules and regulations.
• Operating electronic doors to pods, in and out of facility and in and out of individual cells; observing video screens of all aspects of the detention facility for security issues.
• Serving meals to inmates; changing out inmate's uniforms; escorting medical staff; counting inmates; passing out mail and property; conducting searches periodically for contraband materials; overseeing inmate recreation.
• Arranging contacts by visits or telephone calls between inmates and relatives, court officials, ministers, and attorneys; escorting inmates to visiting rooms.
• Answering telephone and radio, inspecting incoming and outgoing mail.
• Distributing medication, personal hygiene items, meals, linens, clothing, mail, and other items to inmates; checking on intoxicated and other inmates in special medical or mental conditions.
• Preparing inmates for court.
• Supervising inmates in the cleaning of cells, cleaning of kitchens, office areas, clothes, and linens.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records on work and inmate activities.
• Transporting inmates to court, other detention facilities, medical and mental health treatment, and other trips if necessary.
• Providing canteen and meeting other needs.

Typical qualifications include:

• Graduation from high school supplemented by detention officer certification training.
• Valid Driver's Licenses
• Compliance with minimum standards for training and certification as set by the state of North Carolina for detention center personnel.

Scotland County offers a wide range of benefits, including healthcare, supplemental plans and retirement programs.

Health We offer a high-deductible health plan with a $5000 deductible (Single). This program includes a Health Savings Account (HSA). Employee only coverage is completely funded by the County, PLUS the County contributes $1200 to the HSA annually.

Dental Our dental plan provides for preventive services, such as cleanings each year, at 100%. There is a $25 deductible for other services. Basic services pays at 80% and other major services at 50%. The County contributes $14.47 per month for employee coverage.

Voluntary Plans Employees may choose from a variety of plans arranged through Mark III Benefits. These include AFLAC Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity plans; MetLife Group Cancer; MassMutual Whole Life; and Superior Vision plans. In addition we offer Short-term and Long-term disability.

Life Insurance The County provides $10,000 Basic Life insurance for employees. An employee may choose to purchase additional voluntary term life insurance.

Retirement Pension is offered through the N.C. Local Government Employees' Retirement System. Employees are required to contribute 6% of gross wages toward their account. The County also contributes at 14.40% (law enforcement 16.08%). 401(k) and 457 are supplemental retirement plans administered by Empower. For the 401(k) plan, employees contributing a minimum of 1% are eligible for the County contribution of 2.5% toward their account. Employees contributing at least 3% or greater are eligible for a County Contribution of 3%. Law Enforcement Officers receive a 5% County contribution. The 401(k) plan offers both pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions. The 457 plan is tax-deferred with no minimum contribution requirements.

Longevity Pay The County offers longevity pay to employees with at least 5 years of continuous service.