Detention Officer I

About the role

The Detention Officer I position at Wilson County operates under moderate supervision of the Detention Sergeant. This role involves admitting and booking new inmates, ensuring their safety and well-being, transporting inmates to court, medical facilities, and related locations, and maintaining security throughout the facility.

Responsibilities

• Admits and books new inmates; ensures proper booking and searching, and allows calls to attorneys and relatives; calls bondsman if necessary; advises inmates of Detention Center rules and regulations; completes necessary forms and photographs.
• Maintains security and order by securing inmates' property, conducting periodic and surprise cell searches, observing inmates' demeanor, and performing perimeter inspections.
• Attends assigned station, performs head counts, and monitors inmates during meals, showers, and work details; opens and inspects the recreation area daily.
• Operates control panels to open and close doors, performs visual and audio surveillance, and utilizes computerized data entry equipment to enter, store, and retrieve information on inmates.
• Communicates with inmates, gives information and directions, mediates disputes, and advises of rights and processes; resolves inmates' conflicts and problems; performs crisis intervention as needed.
• Supervises visitation of inmates; inspects items brought to jail for inmates; maintains assigned station and area, including mopping floors, removing trash, etc.
• Performs other related work as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and minimal experience working in a detention center or security position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
• Certification as a detention officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.
• Certification in Fire Safety and Operation, CPR, and Bloodborne Pathogens.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools including computers, typewriters, copiers, two-way radios, laundry equipment, restraint devices, transport restraint gear, pepper spray, cameras, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work may require standing, walking, running, and physical confrontation.

Skills

• Knowledge of practices and procedures involved in jail management.
• Some knowledge of local laws, ordinances, and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement, and release of prisoners.
• Ability to maintain discipline and order in a jail and to effectively restrain an inmate.
• Ability to make decisions and take prompt and effective action in emergency situations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain routine records and logs.
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, firmness, and fairness with inmates, families of inmates, attorneys, ministers, and other persons concerning the welfare of individual prisoners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 401k Retirement
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Discounts on Gym Memberships & Local Businesses

Pay

The starting salary for a Detention Officer I is $47,088.

Schedule

Shifts may vary based on departmental needs.

Special Note

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.