Detention Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for maintaining inmate security in the detention center, including enforcement of policies, procedures, and inmate rules; escorting inmates, and preventing escapes. This position operates under both direct and indirect supervision. Additional duties, as needs arise and as dictated by management, may include but are not limited to: classification, transports, housekeeping, property, alternatives to secure detention programs, safety, and warehouse.

• Planning and performing a wide range of detention duties to ensure the proper booking, incarceration, and safety of persons committed to the detention center.
• Working from training, instructions, directions of supervisor, and overall policy to receive and detain incarcerated persons.
• Processing incoming inmates by completing electronic booking, pat and/or strip searches, personal history, medical screening, and other essential data to ensure the proper care and incarceration of inmates.
• Performing fingerprinting, photographing, and DNA collection of incoming inmates.
• Inspecting pots and jail cells to ensure cleanliness and orderliness. Records any pertinent conditions during periodic rounds of pods and cells.
• Ensuring that new inmates receive shower and clothing, and responds to additional personal needs in accordance with policies.
• Working in control room to keep constant watch on all sections of the detention center via camera. Controls all doors and entrances. Forwards telephone calls to the appropriate parties. Contacts appropriate personnel in the event of emergency.
• Transferring inmates to court and other appearances. Serves as escort for visiting lawyers, probation officers, counselors, and others. Escorts inmates to various sections of the detention center, including kitchen and recreation.
• Coordinating and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies and judiciary agencies as necessary.
• Overseeing inmate workers.
• Assisting in processing money and documents and assists in bonding. Records all monies and personal items for storage.
• Appropriately distributing medications prescribed by doctors to inmates, completes appropriate documentation, and enters information into computer.
• Obtaining required signatures from inmates for personal and accountable items.
• Dealing with verbal and physical abuse from inmates. Adult detention center may house up to 300 inmates. Juvenile detention facility may house up to 22 for short periods of time.
• Searching inmates and their cells, and restrains inmates when necessary.
• Performing all duties with minimal supervision. Employee may be required to work irregular hours, overtime hours, attend job related meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Transporting inmates to other facilities.
• Picking up and delivering laundry, hygiene items and books to inmates.
• Overseeing inmates both directly and indirectly and spending time in the units with the inmates, as well as overseeing inmates from post.
• Performing duties at either Adult or Juvenile detention facility.
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

• This position performs under the general supervision of the Detention Administrator and detention Corporal, Sergeant, or Lieutenant, as set forth in the chain of command at Adult or Juvenile detention, who may provide assignments and instruction, determines objective, priorities and deadlines, and who assists the employee with unusual situations. 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.

• Education/Training/Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D.; 18 years of age and no felony convictions; two years’ work experience.
• Experience Substitution: Two years of college substitutes for two years 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: One year experience in correctional work or supervision of individuals in custody; bilingual in Spanish/English; Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
• 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; 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. Must know and understand CYFD rules and regulations pertaining to juvenile detention facilities. 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 able to communicate verbally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, and inmates. Must use sound judgment in determining level of incarceration for each inmate and in responding to emergency situations. Must be able to use visual and auditory skills to properly operate console in control room. Must possess basic math skills to death with money and bonding procedures. Knowledgeable and proficient in first aid and two-way radio.

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

Physical demands: This position requires a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, climbing stairs, 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. This position requires periodic exposure to pepper spray and other chemical agents.

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 twelve (12) hours at one time and sixteen (16) 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 twelve (12) hours at one time, and sixteen (16) 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 while in unit and control room. Worker performs duties as part of a team while working on post. 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 a twelve and one-half (12.5) hour shift but will frequently be required to work overtime. Worker may be assigned to one (1) of five shifts, which include: B or D Shift (7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) A or C Shift (7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) or R shift (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). While in training shifts may vary to give the best exposure to the variety of positions and environmental conditions.