Detention Officer I

Wilson County Government•Wilson NC 27893, NC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs intermediate protective service work processing inmates, maintaining Detention Center security, transporting inmates to court, medical and related facilities, and does related work as required. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Detention Sergeant.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Minimal experience working in a detention center or security position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
Certification as a detention officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.
Certification in Fire Safety and Operation, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens.
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools including computers, typewriters, copiers, two-way radios, laundry equipment, restraint devices, transport restraint gear, pepper spray, cameras, etc.
Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle.
Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Work may require standing, walking, running and physical confrontation.
Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
Ability to read a variety of lists, orders, legal papers, procedures, plans, records, schedules, manuals, forms, reports, logs, etc.
Ability to prepare lists, forms, logs, reports, records, etc., using prescribed formats.
Ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral and diagrammatic or schedule form.
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages, including computer, counseling, medical, legal and law enforcement terminology and sign language.
Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; to multiply and divide; to calculate decimals and percentages.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using law enforcement equipment.
Ability to handle a variety of items such as law enforcement equipment.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)
Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio.
General knowledge of the supervision and care of inmates in a detention facility.
Some knowledge of practices and procedures involved in jail management.
Some knowledge of local laws, ordinances and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement and release of prisoners.
Skill in the use of restraint devices and other law enforcement equipment.
Ability to maintain discipline and order in a jail and to effectively restrain an inmate.
Ability to make decisions and take prompt and effective action in emergency situations.
Ability to prepare and maintain routine records and logs.
Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, firmness and fairness with inmates, families of inmates, attorneys, ministers and other persons concerning the welfare of individual prisoners.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Responsibilities

Admits and books new inmates; ensures that inmates are properly booked and searched, and are allowed calls to attorneys and relatives; calls bondsman if necessary; advises inmates of Detention Center rules and regulations; ensures the proper forms, photographs, fingerprints, etc. are completed on individual inmates; locks prisoners in cellblocks.
Secures inmates' property, properly storing and returning appropriate items upon release.
Prepares and transports inmates from the Detention Center to court, to medical and dental appointments, other detention facilities, etc., maintaining the safety and well-being of the inmates and the general public.
Reviews logs and reports from previous shift; maintains knowledge of inmate population and assignments; compiles schedules and lists of inmates to be transported; prepares various reports and logs, including jail lists, bond sheets, photo logs, inmate cash records, confinement reports, incident reports, etc.
Attending assigned station, maintaining security and order; performs head counts and periodic cellblock and cell checks; conducts periodic and surprise cell searches for contraband; observes inmates' demeanor to determine mental state and possible need for treatment and/or closer observation; patrols entire jail area periodically to prevent escapes and maintain order.
Supervises medical treatment of inmates in the Center and maintains security during medical call; maintains a log of inmates requiring medication; administers medication appropriately.
Communicates with inmates, giving information and directions, mediating disputes, and advising of rights and processes; listens to inmates' complaints; resolves inmates' conflicts and problems; performs crisis intervention as needed, including counseling, suicide prevention, etc.
Supervises visitation of inmates; assists visitors; inspects items brought to jail for inmates.
Maintains the security of the jail at all times; maintains the safety and well-being of the inmates; removes violent and disorderly inmates from cells; reassigns inmates to other cells; performs perimeter inspections within and outside Detention Center; breaks up fights and affrays; pursues fleeing inmates and performs rescue operations, as required.
Operates control panels to open and close doors in the facility; performs visual and audio surveillance of doors and activities of inmates and staff.
Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various database programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information on inmates.
Supervise inmates during meals, showers and work detail; opens recreation area and inspects area daily.
Dispenses mail, canteen and cleaning supplies; distribute clothing and indigent supplies; dispense over-the-counter medical supplies; may supervise changing of linens; may distribute personal hygiene supplies, etc.
Assists Magistrate, Sheriff Deputies, court personnel, etc., as needed; distributes legal papers to inmates, as required.
Maintains assigned station and area, including mopping floors, removing trash, etc.
Operates laundry equipment to wash and dry inmates' clothing operations at night or on weekends, as assigned.
May unload supply delivery trucks; stocks supply room, as needed.
Logs incoming and outgoing mail; distributes mail.
Performs other related work as required.