Detention Officer

Salary: $42,034.00 Annually
Location : 711 E. El Cibolo Rd, Edinburg, TX
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 2025-03180
Department: Hidalgo County - Sheriff
Opening Date: 11/13/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Status:: External Advertisement
Open Positions:: 7
Advertisement details and/or special instructions:: Please submit resume with application.
Grade:: Rank 01
Work Hours:: Must be able to work hours which do not coincide with Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm workday.


General Description
Provides corrections services involving the health, safety and security of inmates and the public in a County corrections facility or program. Monitors prisoners' activities and maintains necessary records.

* Applicants with temporary Jailer License or inactive License will be automatic disqualified as per Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Rule until they have completed all licensing and training requirements for that position or completing reactivation process.

Examples of Work Performed
May book, classify, transfer, transport and/or release inmates with attention to the health, safety and security of other officers, inmates and the public
Conducts inspections, shakedowns and inmate searches. Does physical check of inmates and the public
Completes, checks and processes official papers and documents
Conducts safety inspections and inspections of fire exists and equipment
Provides informal counseling to inmates
Assists medical staff with distribution of medications to inmates
Intervenes and resolves crisis situations such as fights and medical emergencies
Conducts head counts of inmates
Conducts and inventories all keys and equipment from previous shift
Serves or supervises the serving of meals to inmates
Supervises work performed by inmates
Assists with personal needs of inmates, such as telephone calls, mail, laundry, visits and commissary
Monitors and assists visitors and may maintain visitors' list
Keeps records of incidents and activities during shift
May be assigned to conduct recreational programs for inmates
May be assigned to train new officers in procedural aspects of the job
May be assigned to transportation and court security duties, including transportation of inmates to other local, state and federal penal institutions
May confiscate, inventory and store property from new inmates and release property to outgoing prisoners
May respond to inmate request forms
May be involved in organizing church services, GED classes, substance abuse classes and fire drills
Handles and cares for dogs involved in narcotics investigation
Regular attendance
Get along with others

Education and Experience
Graduation from a high school or equivalent (GED)
Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages

Certificates, Licenses and Registration:
Applicant must, at the time of appointment to the position, meet the minimum age requirement for Basic Certification as a Jailer from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
Applicant must, within one (1) year of appointment to the position, obtain and thereafter maintain a Basic Certification as a Jailer from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license
Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of laws, departmental policies, rules, regulations, instructions and correctional literature regarding the custody of persons
Ability to understand and follow oral instructions
Ability to write clear and concise reports and to maintain complete records as required
Ability to meet established physical standards
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees and officials, inmates and the public
Employee may be assigned other duties in addition to those listed and duties may change according to changing needs of department
The County of Hidalgo offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. For more information, please Click Here