Detention Deputy

About the role

This position involves maintaining the security of the Pueblo County Detention Center while preserving order to ensure the safety and welfare of staff, visitors, and detainees. Key responsibilities include processing and supervising detainees/inmates, operating the jail facility, and performing related duties.

Responsibilities

• Prepares investigative reports using sketches, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Effectively and coherently uses interpersonal communication skills to communicate with inmates, professional visitors and the public.
• Physically breaks up fights and skirmishes.
• Demonstrates competent communications skills in court and other formal settings.
• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters, including administering basic emergency medical aid; lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations; and securing and evacuating people from confined areas.
• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of inmates and other people encountered in an antagonist environment.
• Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the processing of such documents as medical instructions, commitment orders, summons and other legal writs and court documents.
• Processes reports as appropriate (i.e., files, alphabetizes, labels, etc.).
• Enters data into computer systems or databases; looks up information in database; creates basic word processor documents and enters data into spreadsheets; uses email to communicate.
• Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and/or that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Provides information to citizens regarding general legal procedures as necessary.
• Serves as supervisor for inmate population.
• Manages the inmate population by walking around the housing units and talking to inmates.
• Plans and supervises unit activities.
• Serves as a role model for inmate population and encourages inmates to take responsibility for themselves.
• Responsible for the supervising and overseeing the cleanliness, sanitation and upkeep of the facility.
• Maintains security access throughout the detention facility.
• Transports inmates to and from court, visits and various programs provided for detainees to include, medical, attorney and dentist visits and possibly other counties and back.
• Serves as a supervisor for inmate population.
• Classifies and houses inmates.
• Effectively restrains inmates, forcibly if necessary, uses handcuffs and other restraints.
• Subdues resisting inmates by using maneuvers and/or resorts to the use of hands and feet and other approved devices in self-defense.
• Pursues fleeing inmates both within and outside the confines of the detention facility as required.
• Uses radio, intercom and telephone communications systems to communicate effectively and coherently with office personnel and inmates.
• Engages in activities in confined areas. Walks extensively on foot patrol and physically checks doors, windows and other areas to ensure they are secure.
• Conducts daily headcounts.
• Conducts cell searches and strip searches.
• Serves and picks up meals three times a day.
• Performs crisis intervention functions to include inmate counseling, suicide prevention, recognizing abnormal behavior and implementing appropriate intervention actions.
• Exercises independent judgment in determining appropriate classification of inmates and assessing and responding to the needs of special populations.
• Performs searches of people, mail items and/or objects capable of concealing contraband, buildings, vehicles and large outdoor areas.
• Detects the presence of conditions such as smoke, unusual or excessive noise, odors, etc.
• Operates self-contained breathing apparatus and extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Gathers information in inmate criminal or administrative investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, confidential informers and staff.
• Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

  Requirements

  • Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver’s license.
  • The selection process includes, but is not limited to, an entry-level written test.
  • Prior to employment, candidates will complete a physical agility, background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination, and psychological evaluation.
  • The expected duration of the selection process will not normally exceed two months.
  • Candidates not selected may reapply in the future.
  • This position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays.
  • This posting may be used to fill multiple openings.

  Qualifications

  • Must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation.
  • Must be able to pass a polygraph examination.
  • Must be able to pass a physical examination.
  • Must be able to pass a psychological evaluation.

  Skills

  • Effective interpersonal communication skills.
  • Physical fitness and stamina.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations.
  • Knowledge of legal procedures.
  • Ability to perform search and rescue operations.
  • Ability to operate self-contained breathing apparatus and extinguish small fires.
  • Ability to conduct headcounts and cell searches.
  • Ability to classify and house inmates.
  • Ability to restrain and subdue inmates.
  • Ability to pursue fleeing inmates.
  • Ability to gather information in inmate criminal or administrative investigations.

  Benefits

  • Shift differential pay.
  • Referral/Recruitment incentives.
  • Trainer pay.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Take-home vehicle (Patrol).
  • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
  • Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
  • County Retirement Program.
  • Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership.
  • Truly inclusive and diverse environment.
  • Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building).
  • May be eligible for up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.