Inmate Classification Specialist

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

3d • $25 - $42 • Onsite

About The Position

The Inmate Classification Specialist assesses, evaluates, and assigns appropriate custody levels for inmates, ensuring placement in the least restrictive custody level in order to meet the needs of the inmate, the security of staff members, and the security of jail facilities. This position places inmates in special housing as needed, refers to crisis counseling, makes medical or psychiatric referrals, and contacts community resources. By providing accurate inmate classifications, the Specialist helps to minimize the risk of violence, promote a rehabilitative environment within the facility, and create an atmosphere that prioritizes the welfare of inmates and staff.

About the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office:
Do you possess integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and do you have a desire to serve your community? We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian, Detention and Sworn personnel. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizona's leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Administration, Counseling, or Behavioral Health, or a closely related field.
• Associate’s degree and two (2) years of qualifying experience, or Four (4) years of qualifying experience.
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire.
• The principles and practices of a correctional classification system
• Interviewing techniques including principles/practices.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Using standard office equipment and computer applications including spreadsheets, database and word processing software.
• Establish and maintain successful working relationships with others.
• Speak and write effectively while working in a frequently hectic office environment.
• Compile information, reports and records.
• Evaluate information and determine appropriate category or classification.
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a corrections, detention, or law enforcement environment.

Responsibilities

• Promotes a professional work environment that fosters positive working relationships within classification, detention, CHS staff, and other agencies.
• Monitors daily workload and prioritizes classifications to ensure compliance within court mandated time frames.
• Researches prior booking information, criminal histories, and court information in accordance with department policy.
• Interviews inmates and notes any significant information; acquires inmate signatures for all necessary classification documents.
• Ensures compliance with PREA by conducting questionnaires with inmates.
• Distributes the Informational Handbook for Inmates to inmates.
• Provides risk avoidance counseling to help inmates identify potential risks and implement strategies to reduce or eliminate them, and basic justice system procedure information to inmates unfamiliar with jail protocol.
• Assigns the security classification and the sub-classification housing levels in SHIELD. Adds appropriate notes and alerts as required by department policy and procedure.
• Reclassifies inmates based on department policy and procedure.
• Manages inmates located in Administrative Restrictive or Closed Custody housing, reviews files on weekly and/or monthly basis and submits requests to the corresponding Special Management Review Committees in accordance with office policy.
• Responds to inmate tank orders and requests in accordance with office policy.
• Communicates with Correctional Health’s medical and mental health personnel to determine appropriate housing based upon the inmate’s current health conditions or concerns.
• Answers incoming telephone calls, assists other departments with questions or concerns, and routes calls to supervisors as needed.
• Maintains compliance in reviewing policy.
• Trains new employees as directed by the Inmate Classification Supervisor and participates in quality control of employees in training.
• Performs other duties as directed by Inmate Classification Command staff or Inmate Classification Supervisors.

Benefits

• Exceptional work-life balance: 4/10 schedule based on business needs
• Manageable workload
• Opportunity for criminal polygraph examinations
• Training opportunities with AZ Polygraph Association, American Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists
• Network with other case agencies
• Choice of three medical plans – starting as low as $70/month
• Holidays – 10/year + 1 personal day
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System (Pension)
• Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption)
• 30% discount at KinderCare daycare facilities in the Valley
• MCKids Club daycare next to headquarters.
• Access to free County gyms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level