Detention Sergeant

• Supervising a shift in the detention center.
• Continually monitoring both staff and inmates to ensure a smooth and consistently managed operation.
• Assisting in the planning, implementation and direction in the use of management information systems within the facility to identify the needs of the facility, inmates and employees.
• Assisting Lieutenant or assigned supervisor in making recommendations to the Administrator.
• Ensuring records are consolidated in an appropriate manner.
• Ensuring that the physical plant, operational procedures, and programs are in compliance with federal, state, and local minimum standards and laws.
• Preparing reports and approving subordinates’ reports as required by facility policies and procedures.
• Reviewing work records of officers to evaluate efficiency suitability for assignments.
• Making disciplinary recommendations as indicated by policy.
• Participating in evaluation and training processes.
• Coordinating staff training programs with Lieutenant or Training Sergeant as assigned.
• Ensuring safety procedures are followed to protect both staff and inmates.
• Investigating and reporting causes of inmate disturbances.
• Investigating and reporting staff incidents.
• Assisting officers with unruly inmates as needed.
• Mediating conflict among officers and between officers and inmates.
• Assisting in classification or segregation of inmates according to status.
• Assisting in the selection of trustees for special work assignments using accepted evaluation techniques.
• Informing Lieutenant or assigned supervisor of all maintenance and repair needs of the facility.
• Supervising other operational functions such as classification, transports, Intake, alternative sentencing programs, training academy, or security threat group, as assigned.
• Performing any specifically assigned duties and enforcing all post orders.
• Following chain of command.
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

• This position performs under the general supervision of the Detention Lieutenant or assigned supervisor. The employee uses own initiative and judgment to perform work in an independent and timely manner in accordance with precedents and established policies and procedures.
• Provides close supervision of ten (10) to twelve (12) officers on a shift.

• Education/Training/ Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D.; 18 years of age and no felony convictions. 2 years work experience in detention related position. Minimum qualifications may be modified based on needs of the facility.
• Experience Substitution: Two (2) years of college substitutes for one year work experience.
• Licenses/Certification: Valid N.M. driver’s license with a good driving record. No DWI conviction within the past three (3) years.
• Desirable Qualifications: Three or more years in correctional work and supervision of inmates. Bilingual in Spanish/English. One year of general supervisory experience. Complete knowledge of latest detention techniques.
• Other. Post offer Drug Analysis Test and/or pre-employment physical. Driver’s license, Employment and criminal Background Investigation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability to read, write, and understand written and oral instructions in English; must have working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office; interact with occupants of the County buildings in a professional and friendly manner. Work independently using good judgment and decision making skills; work well with ever changing priorities and/or situations. Employee must know and understand County Personnel Policy as well as all County and departmental policies pertinent to the position. This position may require some out of town travel for training. Must be able to maintain an acceptable attendance record, be punctual and meet established deadlines.

Must be competent in all duties required of a detention officer. Must have ability to deal with situations requiring tact and understanding and exercise good judgment when needed. Must remain alert at all times and be able to react quickly in an emergency situation. Must know safety and security measures for dealing with and transporting inmates. Must be able to maintain control of aggressive detainees and utilize all use of force options. Must have ability to interact with inmates, supervisors, and staff members in a friendly manner. Must have the ability to work with a diverse population. Must be able to write intelligibly and complete reports. Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including using computers and electronic equipment. Must be able to work with minimum supervision and be self motivated. Must be knowledgeable and proficient in first aid and two-way radio. Must have working knowledge of federal, state, county and departmental laws and policies pertinent to the position and have demonstrated skill in use of equipment utilized by the facility, as well as CYFD regulations and procedures regarding juveniles. Must be able to direct subordinates in the operation of the facility and maintain a good working relationship with all detention personnel and the detainee population. Must possess the ability to write clear, concise reports. Must understand the principles and practices of modern detention and protective care methods. Must have a thorough understanding of court rulings and federal, state and local minimum detention standards. Must demonstrate sufficient and adequate mental and emotional stability in order to meet the rigors of a supervisory position.

Safety requirements: This position must comply with all safety guidelines of Chaves County and Chaves County Detention.

Physical demands: This position requires a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing essential to the performance of the job. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, discriminating thinking. Frequent local travel required in normal in course of job performance. Strength of arms, hands, legs, and back required in the performance of essential functions.

Must be able to “buddy carry” an inmate in case of emergency. Must be able to assist disabled inmates in showering and other personal needs. Must be able to lift up to sixty (60) pounds from ground to waist level approximately twice daily. Must be able to stand and walk up to six (6) hours at one time and twelve (12) hours per day if held for overtime. Must be able to sit for up to four (4) hours at one time. Must be able to climb and descend stairs. Must be able to crouch and kneel for up to five (5) minutes at one time and one-half hour total per day. Must be able to bend at the waist for up to five (5) minutes at one time, and one-half hour total per day. Must be able to carry approximately ten (10) pounds on belted waist all day. Must be able to push/pull a disabled inmate in a wheelchair. Must be able to work with arms extended or bent for up to eight (8) hours at one time, and twelve (12) hours total if held over for overtime.

Work environment: Exposure to weather, dust, fumes, electrical currents, machine noises, and hazards of detention. Occasionally exposed to high work places and confined places, volatile materials, toxic materials. Worker will be exposed to poor ventilation due to enclosed conditions. Will be exposed to unpleasant odors resulting from poor personal hygiene of inmates. Worker performs duties alone and as part of a team. Worker hazards include being constantly subject to injury, death, or hostage situation; exposed at times to infectious diseases carried by inmates; constant high level of mental and emotional stress. Worker will be assigned to an eight (8) hour shift but will frequently be required to work overtime. Worker will be assigned to all three shifts, which include: days (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) evenings (4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.) and nights (12:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.).