Detention Officer

About the role

Under general supervision, performs routine duties in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures to maintain order and provide for the security, care and direct supervision of inmates/residents in housing units, at meals, during recreation, on work assignments and during all other phases of activity in a correctional facility.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas at various intervals for security of inmates, count of inmates and security of buildings and grounds.
• Completes OC (pepper spray) and TASER certification.
• Completes in-house training academy and Field Training program.
• Remains alert for signs of disorder or tension. Inspects quarters, facilities, and work locations for unauthorized materials. Checks sanitary conditions and fire and safety hazards, such as unsafe tools and equipment.
• Keeps records and makes reports on such matters as inmate movements and progress and offender's violation of rules.
• Escorts individuals or groups of inmates to work assignments.
• Maintains order and discipline during work and during bathing, meals, and recreational activities. Ensures inmates meet institutional standards of conduct.
• Maintains perpetual count on assigned inmates.
• Supervises offenders in various work details including general clean-up of institutional grounds and buildings.
• Supervises inmates in court transports and medical transports.
• Supervises and accounts for meal services and all inmate interactions with in-house medical staff.
• Takes custody of personal effects.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: High school graduate or equivalent, and any combination of training and experience which provides the ability to perform job specifications. Classification will commensurate based on years of experience.
• Physical Requirements: Climb multiple flights of steps during rounds ascending to the upper tiers. Prolonged walking, prolonged standing greater than one hour, pushing and or pulling wheeled carts in excess of 200 pounds. Brief periods of intense physical exertion when physical engagement with non-compliant or disruptive inmates is required. Periods of repetitive bending, stooping or crawling to perform cell searches. Must pass a Physical Agility Test.
• Certifications or Licenses Required: Must be able to successfully complete OC (pepper spray) and TASER certification, provided by Madison County. Must be able to successfully complete in-house training academy and Field Training program, provided by Madison County. Must be at least 19 years of age.

Qualifications

Working knowledge of, and familiarization with, appropriate agency rules and regulations; Ability to supervise effectively and obtain results from offenders who may not be work motivated; Some knowledge of psychology, sociology, alcoholism, drug addiction and criminology; Ability to defend oneself physically; Ability to operate cell house range and/or dormitory controls; Ability to prepare reports of unusual happenings, accidents or violations of rules; Alertness and ability to act quickly and effectively in an emergency; Ability to keep abreast of progress and study in the field of corrections; Willingness to participate in training programs as required.

Skills for Success

• Working knowledge of, and familiarization with, appropriate agency rules and regulations;
• Ability to supervise effectively and obtain results from offenders who may not be work motivated;
• Some knowledge of psychology, sociology, alcoholism, drug addiction and criminology;
• Ability to defend oneself physically;
• Ability to operate cell house range and/or dormitory controls;
• Ability to prepare reports of unusual happenings, accidents or violations of rules;
• Alertness and ability to act quickly and effectively in an emergency;
• Ability to keep abreast of progress and study in the field of corrections;
• Willingness to participate in training programs as required.

Benefits

• Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).
• Dental Coverage: Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
• Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.
• Employee Retirement Plans: Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA).
• Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit.