Detention Officer - MALE

Benton County•Mn 56329, MN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Detention Officer maintains the safety, security, and orderly operation of the Benton County Jail under the direction of the Jail Sergeant and Jail Administration. The role protects inmates, staff, contractors, visitors, and the public by maintaining a secure environment and enforcing laws, policies, procedures, and facility rules. Officers supervise inmates, perform security and well-being checks, respond to emergencies, and use crisis intervention, de-escalation, communication, and behavioral management techniques. They may regularly interact with people experiencing mental health crises, substance use disorders, behavioral health conditions, or other complex needs. The position also supports safe inmate movement, booking, housing, transportation, and release; maintains records and safeguards inmate rights; and works with medical personnel, law enforcement, courts, and other criminal justice partners. This recruitment is for an immediate part-time opening and establishes an eligibility list for future full-time and part-time vacancies. On-the-job training is provided. Shift hours are bid based on seniority and include 12-hour shifts (7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m.) and 8-hour shifts (7 a.m.–3 p.m. or 3 p.m.–11 p.m.). The role requires the ability to work rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, according to jail scheduling needs. Work is performed in the Benton County Jail and other facilities involved in inmate transport. The position may involve direct exposure to illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, chemical odors, communicable diseases, violence, threats, verbal abuse, and stressful situations. Protective materials and training are provided for exposure hazards. Duties may include prolonged standing or walking, physically restraining and controlling inmates, self-defense, and lifting or assisting injured individuals. The position uses office and computer equipment, department and transport vehicles, law enforcement and security equipment, radios, phones, and medical care equipment. The starting pay is $25.75 per hour; advanced placement on the pay scale may be available for candidates with corrections or detention experience. The posting lists a shift differential, a comprehensive benefits package, on-the-job training, rotating three-day weekends, uniforms and equipment upon completion of training, and an annual uniform allowance. Application deadline: November 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Video testing is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Initial interviews will be in person, with date and time to be determined.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent GED, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid Minnesota driver's license and ability to drive in Minnesota.
Pass required pre-employment testing, background check, and driver's license verification.
Pass psychological and physical examinations and drug and alcohol screening.
Obtain and maintain required certifications and licenses, including BCA Single Certification upon hire.
Complete and maintain PREA, Use of Force, and Portals training and certification within six months of hire, including required annual training.
Complete Critical Incident Training (CIT) and certification within six months of hire.
Complete Spark Medical Training and certification within six months of hire, including required annual in-person refresher training.
Obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within one year of hire, with training, proficiency testing, and certification renewed every two years.
Basic knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures, jail policies and procedures, jail operations, and security practices.
Ability to use computers and software and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to handle varied assignments and problems under moderate supervision and within standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, de-escalation, behavioral management, and trauma-informed correctional practices; ability to communicate with and manage people experiencing behavioral health challenges while maintaining professionalism and safety.
Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in critical situations.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, safe use-of-force techniques and restraint equipment, including restraint chair, WRAP, handcuffs, restraint belt, and shackles.
Ability to maintain effective public relations and deal with hostile or aggressive individuals.
Effective oral and written communication and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use independent judgment, react quickly in emergencies, multitask, prioritize competing demands, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced jail environment.
Ability to perform standard procedures requiring basic analytical ability and follow detailed guidelines and procedures.
Ability to interpret medical orders, administer medications according to orders and procedures, and obtain vital signs using appropriate medical equipment.
Skill in assessing medical emergencies and administering First Aid, CPR, and AED in accordance with training and procedures.
Ability to travel within the daily work assignment and within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed; rotating shifts include days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Comply with organizational and departmental policies, data practices standards, and requirements for protecting private data.
Meet the physical and mental demands of the work environment, including normal hearing and correctable vision, the ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods, restrain and control inmates, physically defend oneself, and lift or assist injured individuals.

Nice To Haves

Corrections or detention experience may qualify candidates for advanced placement on the pay scale.
Taser training and certification, which is optional.
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification, which is optional.

Responsibilities

Respond to inmate concerns and medical emergencies, provide emergency first aid within the scope of training, use emergency medical equipment, notify appropriate medical personnel or supervisors, and document actions.
Conduct and document inmate well-being checks at required intervals, including more frequent checks for inmates on suicide watch or with identified medical conditions.
Enforce jail rules and regulations, including disciplining inmates.
Prepare and update reports, maintain records, and maintain inmate counts in assigned areas.
Conduct monthly visual audits of an assigned eight-hour shift, including reviews of well-being checks and cell inspections, and review work for accuracy and completeness.
Search inmates and inspect cells, recreation areas, grounds, work locations, and other activity areas for unauthorized items or materials.
Operate central control by monitoring radio traffic, controlling facility doors, monitoring movement, answering phones, and monitoring inmate phone use.
Process inmate intake and release, including fingerprinting, warrant verification, required checks, court book-and-release processing, and fingerprinting applicants.
Escort inmates, staff, contractors, vendors, medical personnel, and authorized visitors throughout secure areas while maintaining safety, security, and accountability.
Supervise and instruct inmates during work crew activities and equipment operation.
Serve meals; process and review inmate mail; distribute supplies; perform or oversee laundry; assign and monitor cleaning tasks; and perform laundry and cleaning when inmate workers are unavailable.
Respond to safety, security, and emergency incidents, including situations requiring physical restraint and control of resisting or uncooperative inmates.
Provide direct supervision, care, and custody of inmates, including people experiencing behavioral health challenges or medical emergencies, using appropriate intervention and communication techniques.
Transport inmates and supervise them outside the facility, including facilitating in-person and virtual court appearances.
Administer inmate visitation procedures, including visitor check-in, warrant checks, and verification of no-contact orders.
Complete facility safety and security checks and weekly key, intercom, and door-cycle checks.
Complete pre-booking medical questionnaires to assess fitness for confinement.
Administer and document medications according to provider orders and procedures; verify inmate identity, medication, dose, time, and route; obtain required signatures; and verify controlled medication counts at shift end.
When assigned as Shift Lead, provide operational oversight, conduct post inspections, handle court-related documentation, coordinate daily operations, respond to incidents, and process financial transactions, bail documents, releases, and related records.
When assigned as Shift Lead and medical staff are unavailable, process and document medications received, communicate pertinent medical information to contracted providers, complete required documentation, and implement medical orders and follow-up care.
When assigned as a Field Training Officer, train, mentor, guide, document, and evaluate newly hired officers throughout the field training program.
When assigned as a Use of Force Assistant Instructor, assist with instruction, demonstrations, exercises, and evaluations on approved defensive tactics, control techniques, use-of-force principles, and safety procedures.
When serving on the Peer Support Team, provide confidential peer assistance and attend required training.
Attend training as needed and perform other duties as assigned or apparent.