Classification Officer

Douglas County•Ne, NE

About The Position

The Classification Officer works under the direction of the Director of Corrections or designee. The position gathers information about inmates, including risk factors and incarceration history, to determine appropriate classification, housing assignments, and program participation. Work is typically performed in an office setting within a correctional facility, with a schedule that may vary to include shifts, days, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-ins. The role involves moderate and occasionally loud noise, potential exposure to biohazards, and potentially stressful interactions with irate or abusive individuals and changing priorities.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or Public Administration.
Two years of experience in internal security, information gathering, and investigation techniques in a correctional facility or comparable setting, such as law enforcement or the military.
Two years of experience using MSOffice.
Annual in-person instruction, online learning, and defensive tactics training.
Valid driver’s license and own transportation upon hire and throughout employment.
Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check and, following a conditional offer, a drug screen, physical assessment, and medical exam.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including extended sitting, standing, and walking; frequent reaching, kneeling, bending, crouching, stooping, and climbing; lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 75 pounds occasionally; and potentially physically engaging inmates to subdue and restrain them.
Physical fitness, strength, endurance, agility, and coordination for self-defense and inmate restraint.
Required vision, hearing, touch, communication, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity abilities, including the specified visual abilities correctable to normal ranges.
Equivalent combinations of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience involving the assessment and classification of inmates.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake interviews with new or rebooked inmates.
Use established policies and procedures to accurately classify inmates and ensure appropriate facility placement.
Conduct inmate background checks, review intake assessments, and determine classification, housing assignments, and program eligibility.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County and department policies, and applicable laws.
Complete and maintain required documentation and information in inmates' classification files.
Collect DNA samples during prisoner in-processing.
Complete forms notifying pertinent agencies of expected residency upon offender release.
Escort inmates throughout the Correctional Center.
Generate and distribute documents and files for housing special management inmates.
Conduct inmate follow-up interviews to determine adjustments, reclassification, and/or status changes.
Update and maintain inmate records regarding reclassification and status changes.
Follow department procedures, protocols, and orders.
Write informational reports.
Monitor state statutes and American Correctional Association (ACA) standards that may affect classification procedures and inform administration of changes.
Review and compute good-time sentences and release dates in consultation with the Classification Supervisor.
Promote a positive and professional image of Douglas County government and the Corrections Department.
Maintain job knowledge and skills through meetings, workshops, webinars, seminars, and conferences.
Assist with training and orienting new employees.
Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned and/or directed.