Special Deputy/Bailiff

Department: Allen County Juvenile Center & Regional Probation Offices

Classification: Part-Time, Non-exempt

About the Role

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Training & Security, the Special Deputy/Bailiff provides for the safety of all staff, offenders, and visitors in and around the Allen County Juvenile Center (ACJC) and regional probation offices. This position enforces all rules and regulations of the agency and individual programs, ensuring compliance by all persons entering the buildings. This is an employee-at-will position covered under the Superior Court Employee Handbook.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first responder to any threat or danger to staff, offenders, visitors, or the building.
• Visually inspect all persons entering ACJC and/or regional field offices; remove anyone who possesses a danger.
• Operate x-ray machines and hand metal detectors; conduct pat-down searches as deemed appropriate to ensure no weapons, contraband, or other illegal/prohibited items are present.
• Provide security and bailiff duties for assigned courtrooms, including notifying parties of hearing locations and delivering juveniles to the appropriate courtroom.
• Call cases to court and issue personal property to parents/legal guardians.
• Assist with taking juveniles and adults into custody per court order.
• Monitor distress panels and respond to distress calls.
• Respond to conflicts between juveniles and/or adults within the center, sometimes using physical restraint.
• Respond first to medical emergencies in public areas, call 911, and escort emergency personnel.
• Monitor ACJC and/or regional field office buildings using video surveillance and/or visual inspections to ensure safety and compliance with building and program rules.
• Answer telephones, greet clients and their families, determine the nature of calls/visits, and provide assistance or referrals as needed.
• Monitor and supervise juveniles and their families in the lobby while they wait for probation appointments; maintain order and address issues as necessary.
• Support probation officers with crisis intervention in volatile family and juvenile delinquency situations.
• Assist probation officers with supervising juveniles performing community service work at the office.
• Document contacts and information from clients/families if probation officers are unavailable.
• Enter information into the Quest case management system, including juvenile and attorney check-ins and visitor logs.
• Issue and document Probation and Detention release forms.
• Maintain and update files and records in the Quest system, including changes in status or personal history; shred outdated confidential information.
• Scan outside correspondence into Quest and enter drug screen information.
• Notify warrants of adult custody, transport needs, and escort adults to the sally-port for transport.
• Assist with transporting juveniles outside the building for court and/or medical appointments.
• Maintain weapon lockers in the security office.
• Qualify and carry a county-issued firearm and/or electroshock weapon (e.g., Taser).
• Assist in the collection of urine samples and/or alcohol breath tests upon request of the Judicial Officer and/or Probation Department.
• Receive items for juveniles (e.g., medication, glasses, retainers, HSE or stamp money) and provide receipts.
• Manage office supplies and equipment, submit orders as needed, and notify supervisors of maintenance requirements.
• Assist probation officers with day-to-day office maintenance, including minor cleaning tasks (e.g., vacuuming, dusting, emptying trash, wiping down kitchen/bathrooms).
• Perform all other duties as assigned or required by law, including overtime as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of policing, corrections, and/or military training/experience.
• Valid Indiana Gun Permit.
• Ability to become certified in Defensive Tactics, OC Spray, and Electroshock Weapons.
• Ability to complete and maintain Firearms Qualifications.
• Valid Driver’s License to assist with transporting juveniles.
• Valid CPR/AED and First Aid Certification.
• Ability to become trained and sworn as a Special Deputy for the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to apply procedures, rules, and regulations practically to maintain court building security.
• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, including practical knowledge of area law enforcement and court procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to deal tactfully with irritated, rude, or frustrated individuals.
• Ability to treat people of different backgrounds with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to write detailed reports based on public disturbances and juvenile misconduct.
• Proficiency in using pepper spray, handcuffs, handguns, x-ray machines, emergency restraint chairs, and other job-related equipment.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Quest, and Spillman software programs.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to pass a psychological examination by a court-designated psychologist.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (e.g., computer, shredder, fax, printer, scanner, multi-line telephone system).
• Ability to use OC pepper spray, handcuffs, portable breath test machines, handguns, electroshock weapons, Rapiscan x-ray machines, Garrett metal detectors, emergency restraint chairs, and handheld radios.

Performance Expectations

The Special Deputy/Bailiff performs work requiring an understanding of, and ability to apply, customary practices, rules, regulations, procedures, and techniques relevant to assigned guidelines. The role involves moderately complex technical or specialized knowledge, particularly in inspecting persons, operating security equipment, and performing searches.

Working Conditions

• Work environment includes a juvenile center, courtroom settings, and regional probation offices.
• Frequent standing, some sitting, and the ability to move freely.
• Frequent lifting of over sixty pounds, bending, pushing/pulling, kneeling, typing, and attention to detail.
• Exposure to dangerous equipment, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and noise.
• Frequent interaction with potentially dangerous and/or violent offenders and their families.

Schedule

Part-time, 29 hours per week; hours vary with evenings required. Overtime as needed.