Detention Officer - Civilian-Sheriff's Office

Fort Bend County • Richmond, TX

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Detention Officer performs hourly inspections of detention areas to maintain security and supervises inmates’ daily activities to ensure their safety and health. The role includes maintaining order, verifying inmate records and identification during booking and release, reviewing arrest documents, conducting inmate and cell shakedowns, supervising work details, monitoring programs and visitation, and overseeing inmate feeding and hygiene. The officer operates mechanical security devices, maintains fire-life safety equipment, keeps records of activities and incidents, and may serve as an in-house bailiff for a justice of the peace or magistrate. The position also supports other employees and agencies, assists with booking and incoming inmates who may be violent, and participates in emergency-management activities during a local state of disaster as directed. The officer is financially accountable for issued equipment and enforces jail rules, including writing disciplinary reports.

Applicants must schedule and pass the Nelson-Denny Reading Test with the Sheriff’s Office Human Resources before moving forward in the hiring process. The position requires rotating-shift availability. Basic Jailer Certification must be obtained within the first year of employment, and the candidate must be eligible for TCOLE licensing.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen and at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED.
• No previous experience required.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively with the public and other employees.
• Ability to complete assigned projects in a timely manner.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must pass polygraph, psychological, physical screening, and urinalysis examinations.
• Must be eligible for licensing by TCOLE.
• Must schedule and complete the Nelson-Denny Reading Test before proceeding in the hiring process.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform hourly inspections of detention areas, including catwalks, separations, and hallways, to maintain security.
• Maintain order and supervise inmates’ daily activities to ensure safety and health.
• Verify records and identification for inmates being booked or released.
• Conduct inmate and cell shakedowns as needed on a regular, unscheduled basis.
• Supervise work details and monitor progress.
• Verify arrest documents before accepting prisoners and be aware of offense grades.
• Monitor programs and activities involving interaction between inmates and outside professionals.
• Assist other agencies with in-house computer systems during booking and with incoming inmates who may be violent.
• Maintain fire-life safety equipment and operate mechanical security devices.
• Maintain records of activities, incidents, shakedowns, and other required functions.
• Supervise inmate feeding and hygiene.
• Sign for and remain financially accountable for issued equipment.
• Assist other employees with their duties.
• Function as an in-house bailiff for a justice of the peace or magistrate.
• Maintain inmate counts and monitor visitation.
• Enforce jail rules and regulations and write reports for disciplinary action charges.
• Participate in emergency-management activities during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.

Benefits

• Full-time employees receive a wide range of benefits.
• Full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED