Classification Specialist

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office•Pinellas County, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Help shape safe and effective detention operations. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Classification Specialist to join our Custody Management Division. In this role, you'll evaluate inmates and make critical classification and housing decisions based on charges, behavior, security concerns, and other risk factors. Through interviews, record reviews, and collaboration with medical, programs, custody, and other Sheriff's Office personnel, you'll help ensure inmates are appropriately housed while supporting the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the Pinellas County Jail. The ideal candidate is analytical, fair, and confident in making well-informed decisions. They communicate effectively with diverse populations, remain objective in complex situations, and possess the critical thinking skills needed to balance safety, security, and inmate management. They are detail-oriented, adaptable, and thrive in an environment where every decision matters. If you're looking for a career where your judgment directly impacts facility safety, inmate management, and correctional operations, this is your opportunity. Join a team dedicated to professionalism, public service, and making informed decisions that make a difference every day.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree Or equivalent combination of education and experience
Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license
Knowledge of the criminal justice system
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Skill in problem solving and decision making
Good knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting
Ability to enter and/or retrieve information from computer systems
Skill in assessing individual inmates through interviewing techniques to assign appropriate custody levels and proper housing assignments
Skill in operating various computer systems to include, but not limited to, Odyssey, JMS, VIPAR, ACISS, e-Agent, CCIS, CJNET, document imaging, Microsoft Outlook and Excel, and SONET
Ability to work closely and effectively and directly communicate with inmates, correctional and medical staff, the public and other criminal justice officials
Ability to monitor and manage jail population levels
Ability to prepare statistical tabulations and reports
Ability to exercise sound judgment
Knowledge of statutes, ordinances, regulations and judicial rulings governing detainees
Knowledge of correctional operations and the rehabilitation techniques and programs utilized in the field
Interpersonal communication skills
Time management skills
Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Responsibilities

Interviews inmates within 72 hours of admission to the Pinellas County Jail and at least once, thirty (30) days thereafter
Provides reassessments and reclassifications of inmates as needed
Exercises judgment in the classification and reclassification of inmates, as it pertains to custody level, sexual violence propensity, special handling, housing and program participation
Monitors inmate behavior during the classification process
Sets priorities and organizes workload in an effective and efficient manner
Prepares daily housing and availability reports
Reclassifies inmates based on documented changes in behavior, attitude, custody status, program participation, or upon additional verifiable information
Activates, maintains and updates inmate classification records
Authorizes the reassignment of inmates from housing units and facilities and coordinates such movement with affected staff
Provides information and assistance pertaining to inmate classification
Provides court testimony when required
Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work
Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed