Sheriff's Correctional Deputy - Lateral

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Under supervision, maintains order and security of inmates in Sheriff’s Office correctional facilities and transports inmates to and from court, medical facilities, and other locations within and outside the County. The role may supervise inmate crews on work projects throughout the County. Under the appointing authority of the Sheriff, the position has peace officer status while assigned to a detention facility, extending throughout California when performing duties described in Penal Code Section 830.1(c). This lateral recruitment is for applicants with experience working in another California custody facility who wish to work for Santa Clara County’s Custody Bureau. Applicants from CDCR are directed to apply for the Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy Cadet recruitment because CDCR training and certifications are not transferable. Applicants must attach a current California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certificate and PC 832 Firearms and Arrest certifications; missing documents may delay or result in rejection of an application. After application review, candidates are invited to an agility test, which they must attend to advance. The agility test is scheduled for December 12, 2026. Peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The position requires the stated training and experience, certifications, medical and psychological evaluations, physical fitness, and a complete background investigation. County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete assigned training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

Requirements

Training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or equivalent.
Possession of a current California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certificate issued within the last three years.
Possession of current certification demonstrating successful completion of coursework fulfilling Penal Code Section 832 Firearms and Arrest requirements.
Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification after appointment and throughout employment in the classification.
Ability to travel to alternate locations during work.
If driving, possess a valid California driver’s license before appointment and qualify for and maintain County driver authorization.
Never have been convicted of a felony; felony convictions and out-of-state convictions that would be felonies in California are disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, frequency, severity, and time of offense.
Pass a thorough medical examination and meet established medical standards and applicable STC or Departmental orders.
Successfully pass a psychological evaluation.
Demonstrate and maintain physical fitness to perform the full scope and functions of the job.
Pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprinting and searches of local, state, and national criminal-history files.
Possess the legal right to work in the United States and meet employment standards prescribed in Government Code Section 1031, including psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, background investigation, and medical examination.
Be at least 21 years old at appointment; applicants who have passed their 20th birthday may apply.
Understand and apply departmental policies, rules, laws, and ordinances concerning inmate detention.
Control, direct, and instruct inmates individually and in groups, including in work projects and personal matters.
Accurately observe, recall, and document inmate behavior and prepare clear, concise reports.
Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, with people of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
Make forcible arrests; handle hostile and aggressive behavior; analyze situations and exercise sound judgment, including under stress.
Follow written and oral instructions; use and maintain equipment and supplies; perform a variety of physical tasks; wear and operate equipment that may include emergency apparatus.
Participate in investigations of crimes, accidents, or other incidents as needed.
Work required hours and assigned shifts, including varying shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Meet firearms qualifications as required; qualify for gun-bearing assignments where required.
Provide training and instruction in a variety of subjects within the Sheriff’s Office.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies; demonstrate sensitivity, empathy, impartiality, conscientiousness, dependability, initiative, integrity, and emotional control.
Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications; use computer systems and applications.
Complete assigned Disaster Service Worker training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.
A California Class B driver’s license may be required for some positions.

Responsibilities

Supervise inmate conduct in living quarters, during meals and bathing, at recreation, and on work assignments.
Maintain inmate security through periodic counts and surveillance.
Supervise inmate work crews assigned to Industries, Programs, Weekend work, and maintenance activities, ensuring work is properly performed.
Inspect quarters for cleanliness and order; conduct cell searches and confiscate contraband.
Book arrestees into jail, record custody information, inventory personal property, and orient new inmates to rules and responsibilities.
Release inmates from custody on proper authority.
Admit visitors with proper credentials and advise them of applicable rules and procedures.
Report unauthorized absences and escapes, rule infractions, and irregular or suspicious occurrences; issue citations for infractions.
Respond to emergencies and circumstances requiring immediate attention.
Prepare reports on inmate work, conduct, and habits, as well as incident logs and criminal reports.
Transport and escort inmates to court, between facilities, and to other locations.
Maintain facility security, prevent escapes, physically restrain inmates when necessary, conduct perimeter checks, and perform headcounts.
Conduct warrant and warrantless misdemeanor or felony arrests of persons within County detention facilities.
Answer inquiries concerning corrections procedures and supervise inmate visitation.
Perform business and recordkeeping functions, including monetary transactions, computer operations, booking files, bail and fine monies, and court paperwork.
Participate in honor guard assignments and community relations activities.
Collect, organize, interpret, and analyze information to determine an appropriate course of action.
Conduct recruitments, make public appearances, and conduct recruitment background investigations.
Apply first aid and CPR as needed.
May provide training in Sheriff’s Office divisions, including POST and/or STC instruction for in-service personnel.
May appear in court to testify.
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker and perform other related duties as required.