Adult Detention Officer

About the role

Under general supervision, guards detainees in the County Detention Facility; provides for the needs of detainees during detention to include but not limited to: lock down detainees in cells after searching for weapons, valuables, drugs or other contraband; serves meals, provides first responder aid if needed; observes conduct and behavior of detainees to prevent disturbances and escapes; inspects locks, cells, pods, closets, hallways, access chases, recreational, medical and kitchen areas, windows, grills, doors, and gates for tampering; performs all other duties in a manner consistent with all policies and procedures within a correctional environment.

Responsibilities

• Observe conduct and behavior of detainees to prevent disturbances and escapes and to maintain health and cleanliness.
• Inspect cells, pods, closets, hallways, access chases, recreational, medical and kitchen areas, locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering.
• Search detainees and cells for contraband articles.
• Transport detainees to judicial proceedings, medical or other authorized appointments.
• Guard and direct detainees during work assignments and ensures appropriate inmate counts.
• Patrol assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities, infractions of rules, and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustments of detainees; report observations to shift sergeant.
• Escort detainees to and from visiting room, legal visits, medical office, and religious services or other authorized locations.
• Guard entrance of detention center to screen visitors.
• Prepare written reports concerning incidences of detainee disturbances or injuries.
• Serve detainee meals in accordance with established procedures; ensure that proper counting is maintained of all utensils, cups, trays and detainee counts are correct.
• Search detainee property for contraband including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, and nuisance contraband as prescribed by facility policy or by law.
• Distribute mail for detainees which includes checking for contraband.
• Request physical examinations and forward specific requests for medical assistance to the nurse; escort detainees to the nurse’s office and provides security for the nurse.
• Supervise the visitation of attorneys, family members, bondsmen or others.

Requirements

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years, with active military duty/service. 21 years of age preferred.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• No felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude.
• Valid State of New Mexico Driver's license or be able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Qualifications

• Must complete the mandatory Officer Certification process within 6 months of employment.
• Utilize, process, and navigate the County’s electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.

Skills

• Physical stamina and strength to perform physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of correctional facility policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and emergencies.
• Effective communication skills.

Benefits

• Complete benefits package including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, life insurance, short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Pay

• Details on pay structure and schedule are provided in the Benefits Page.

Schedule

• Rotating shift work, nights and weekend shifts and overtime.
• May work up to 40 hours of overtime over a two-week period.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Working conditions are typical adult detention facility settings; involves the potential for high stress levels and exposure to hostile situations.
• Some non-standard work hours are required.
• Employees may be subject to physical altercations with detainees which may require restraining and/or physically relocating inmates.
• May be required to climb stairs to facilitate appropriate inmate supervision; supervising detainee may require prolonged walking, standing or sitting.
• May be required to lift 50 pounds or more to accommodate the operational requirements of the facility.

Required Question

Have you read and completed the requirements of this statement?