Receptionist - Detention Center

Salary: $25.21 Hourly
Location : Detention Center- 605 S. 16th St, Bozeman, MT
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 00851
Department: Detention Center
Opening Date: 06/25/2026


POSITION OVERVIEW
The Receptionist is the primary point of contact for the Gallatin County Detention Center. This position greets and assists the public, visitors, attorneys, and volunteers; answers and routes calls; coordinates inmate visitation; and performs clerical and program support duties. Responsibilities include DNA testing on non-incarcerated convicted felons (and occasionally sentenced inmates), fingerprinting for the public and new employees, and Portable Breath Test (PBT) administration for the 24/7 Program. The Receptionist also provides clerical and administrative support to Detention Center operations through recordkeeping, scheduling, data entry, and document preparation.
This is a union position that reports to the Detention Center Program Director and does not supervise other County personnel. The work schedule is Monday-Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Public Interaction & Front Desk Support

• Greet, manage, and coordinate visitors in the lobby (e.g., family members, attorneys, volunteers) and direct them appropriately.
• Answer and route main phone lines; respond to questions and provide accurate information.
• Provide professional customer service while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to Detention Center policies.

Program & Clerical Support

• Use Jail Management Software (JMS) to schedule and record inmate visits and mail, support users and answer questions.
• Perform routine office duties including copying, filing, faxing, emailing, and updating forms and pamphlets.
• Type reports, conduct special projects, maintain records, and assist with the Sheriff County Work Program for inmates.
• Sort and distribute incoming/outgoing inmate and business mail.
• Maintain scrapbook of current events using newspaper articles.

Testing & Identification Services

• Conduct DNA testing on non-incarcerated convicted felons, and on inmates sentenced to prison as required; send samples to the State Crime Lab and complete related data entry and recordkeeping.
• Conduct Portable Breath Test (PBT) testing for 24/7 Program participants; perform related data entry and recordkeeping.
• Conduct fingerprinting for the public and all new Detention Center employees; ensure accurate documentation and data entry for offenders and citizens.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform special projects and research as directed.
• Assist with Detention Center events, trainings, or meetings.
• Provide services during declared County emergencies (e.g., earthquake, flood, fire, riot) as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• General recordkeeping, filing, and data entry procedures.
• Office operations, business English, spelling, grammar, and composition.
• Proficiency with Windows-based office software; ability to learn new systems (e.g., JMS).
• Knowledge of multi-line phone systems, two-way radios, and secure facility safety/security protocols.
• Familiarity with court paperwork, legal processes, and inmate rights.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations and maintain a professional, positive image of the Sheriff's Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, use discretion, and remain calm in stressful or confrontational situations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent; and
• One (1) to two (2) years of related clerical or customer service experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.

For application consideration the following documents are required to be submitted (incomplete application packets will not be reviewed):

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) Work References

Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.
HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
• Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
• Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
• Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
• Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
• FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses

COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)


COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached

RETIREMENT:

• County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
• County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
• An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:

• Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child

SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:

• Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.

HOLIDAYS:

• The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
• A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:

• Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
• Will and limited legal service

TUITION ASSISTANCE:

• The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses

BILINGUAL PAY:

• Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.