Detention Officer

Omaha Tribe of Nebraska•Macy, NE

1d•$21 - $24

About The Position

The Detention Officer provides first-line supervision of criminal offenders in detention or correctional institutions and community-based detention, correctional treatment, or rehabilitation facilities. The role helps ensure facility security, staff and inmate safety, and inmate care through behavior management, leadership, crisis intervention, mediation, fairness, observation, service referrals, and documentation. Inmates may be male or female, pre-adjudication or sentenced, and charged with offenses ranging from misdemeanors to violent felonies. The position involves protecting individuals’ lives and civil rights and exercising discretion when handling sensitive matters. The position is supervised by the Chief of Police and works under the immediate leadership of the Detention Supervisor. Recurring assignments are carried out independently, while problems and life-threatening situations not covered by instructions are referred to a supervisor. Work is closely reviewed for accuracy and compliance with instructions and established procedures. The Officer enforces applicable detention-facility standards and regulations, maintains security and discipline, coordinates inmate services and activities, and carries out admission, supervision, and release procedures. The work includes routine and potentially dangerous contact with confined individuals, exposure to stressful situations, and shift work that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least six months of previous experience in law enforcement or security.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for correctional work, including relevant personal attributes.
Ability to work days, nights, weekends, and various shifts, and to work under stressful conditions involving unusual mental and nervous pressures.
Ability to pass periodic physical fitness tests.
Ability to perform prolonged walking and standing, lift and carry light to moderately heavy objects, restrain inmates in emergencies, and participate in escape and walk-away searches.
Ability to perform the duties efficiently and to be free of defects or diseases that could create an employment hazard to oneself or others.
Ability to work in frequent, direct contact with confined individuals suspected or convicted of tribal and/or federal offenses, with daily stress and potential exposure to dangerous situations, including direct physical attacks.
Possess a license for and ability to use specialized weapons for police work.
Possess a valid Nebraska driver's license.
Possess or pass a test for valid Standard First Aid Certification.
Attend and complete Jail Management Training within one year of hire.
Read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Write simple correspondence and reports, communicate orally with supervisors and institutional staff, and maintain accurate records.
Present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group settings.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions, directives, orders, policies, and operational descriptions.
Communicate effectively with inmates, earn their respect and confidence, and establish and maintain constructive relationships.
Perform duties under close or minimal supervision.
Have basic knowledge and experience in county, state, and federal law enforcement.
Maintain thorough knowledge of jail policies and procedures.
Have a telephone or be able to obtain telephone service.
Remain drug-free, demonstrate knowledge of agency drug-abuse policies and procedures, recognize signs and symptoms of drug abuse or behavioral changes, and report unusual actions to the responsible official.
Be subject to drug testing.

Responsibilities

Enforce applicable standards, rules, and regulations governing detention and correctional facilities, programs, confinement, safety, health, and offender protection.
Maintain facility safety and security through inmate supervision, searches, transportation, classification, counts, fire safety, key control, perimeter security, and enforcement of inmate rules.
Conduct preliminary physical and mental health interviews and classification assessments.
Orient newly admitted offenders to facility philosophy and rules, and orient volunteers and service-providing employees to facility rules and procedures.
Coordinate and supervise inmate services, activities, and programs, including medical care, court access, mail, recreation, library, work programs, religious services, food, laundry, and counseling.
Supervise inmate movement, maintain discipline, and prevent contraband from entering the facility.
Instruct inmates in housekeeping, sanitation, and the proper use and care of tools and equipment for unskilled or semi-skilled work.
Ensure inmates are released according to established regulations and operational descriptions.
Serve meals to prisoners.
Prepare arrest records identifying prisoners and their assigned charges.
Observe inmate conduct and behavior to prevent disturbances and escapes.
Inspect locks, windows, bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering.
Patrol assigned areas and watch for forbidden activities, rule infractions, and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment.
Escort inmates to and from visiting rooms, medical facilities, and Tribal Court rooms.
Report the need for police or medical assistance to the Police Department.
Conduct periodic routine checks of cellblocks.
Perform other duties as assigned.