Detention Officer Trainee- Detention Center**HIRING INCENTIVE**

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

This position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date.

*Hiring Incentive pay: $10,000 or $8,000

To be eligible for the incentive, the following guidelines will apply to officer candidates that are hired with Doña Ana County ending 06-30-2027.

• $10,000 split into two payments for any new applicant that has three (3) full years of prior corrections experience in a jail, detention center, or prison provided on their application. Other law enforcement experience would not qualify for this level of incentive.

• $8,000 split into two payments for new applicants with 0 to 35 months of corrections experience provided on their application.

• The first 50% of the incentive would be issued upon successful completion of the Detention Center Academy and the 4-week Field Training Officer (FTO) program.

• The second 50% of the incentive would be issued no more than 30 days prior to successful completion of their one-year probationary period.

• Any employee that received any hiring incentive pay stated in this memorandum who separates employment from the Detention Center within one year of hire will be required to return the full amount of incentive pay received to Dona Ana County.

• Former detention center employees may be eligible to receive the incentive if they have been separated from the detention center for 12 or more months.


Compensation for an individual whose qualifications exceed the minimum qualifications for the job may be hired above the minimum of the range based on related education and full years of related work experience as presented on the application.

You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.

Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

**An individual whose qualifications exceed the minimum qualifications for the job may be hired above the minimum of the range based on related education and full years of related work experience as presented on the application.**

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.  Under the close supervision of the Detention Center Academy Training Lieutenant, Training Sergeants, and assigned instructional staff, participate in an intensive training academy consisting of classroom instruction, practical exercises, and physical training. Learns and develops competency in detention center policies, procedures, security practices, inmate supervision techniques, and other duties necessary to maintain the safety, security, and welfare of detainees, inmates, staff, and the public. Responsibilities include learning to supervise detainees and inmates within assigned areas; maintain order and security through the fair and impartial application of Detention Center policies, procedures, and accepted security practices; and support the safe, secure, and humane treatment of all detainees and inmates while protecting their rights within the facility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES. 

This is a safety-sensitive position.

During the initial training period, including orientation, field training, and the required training academy, employees receive instruction and practical experience necessary to develop competency in the essential functions of the position. Duties are performed under the direction and supervision of designated training staff and experienced detention personnel and are assigned commensurate with the trainee's level of training, demonstrated competency, and applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

1. Operations and Security

• Learn and provide direct supervision of detainees and inmates within assigned housing units and secure areas.

• Patrol assigned areas to maintain facility security and control movement within the detention center.

• Conduct security checks, headcounts, and scheduled or random searches of housing units, cells, detainees, inmates, and property.

• Escort detainees and inmates within the secure perimeter as assigned.

• Monitor detainee and inmate behavior and maintain order within assigned areas.

• Assign and oversee work performed by detainee and inmate workers.

• Assist with the processing and release of detainees, inmates, and personal property in accordance with established procedures, court orders, bail requirements, or authorized directives.

2. Safety and Emergency Response

• Participate in emergency response activities under the direction of experienced detention personnel and in accordance with training and established emergency procedures.

• Learn and, when appropriately trained and authorized, apply detention procedures and authorized levels of force to control combative, hostile, or assaultive individuals when necessary.

• Monitor detainee and inmate health and well-being and summon medical assistance when appropriate.

• Provide security and other operational assistance to medical staff during medication distribution in accordance with established medical directives and facility policies.

3. Documentation and Records

• Complete booking, medication, release, incident, and other detention-related records, reports, logs, rosters, memoranda, and documentation accurately and timely.

• Access and retrieve information from computerized record management systems to support detention operations and authorized information requests.

• Respond to requests for information from law enforcement agencies, courts, and other authorized entities in accordance with established procedures.

4. Equipment and Administrative Support

• Operate detention center equipment, including computers, printers, fingerprint equipment, restraint devices, radios, telephones, intercom systems, and fire extinguishers.

• Assist with clerical and reception functions when administrative staff are unavailable.

5. Training and Development

• Attend and successfully complete required detention officer training, including academy, field training, defensive tactics, firearms training, and other mandatory courses, as applicable.

• Learn and apply detention center policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and applicable laws governing the custody and care of detainees and inmates.

• Demonstrate competency in required duties, equipment, safety procedures, and emergency response protocols.

FOR ASSIGNMENTS IN:

POD Control Trainee: 

Prior to attending the Detention Center Academy, the trainee may participate in a structured pod control training program under close supervision. The trainee learns to operate an assigned housing unit control station, observe detention operations, monitor detainees and inmates for training purposes, and assist detention officers with routine operational support, including procuring supplies, delivering documents, and responding to requests for assistance. The assignment provides practical experience in detention center operations while preparing the trainee for academy attendance.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Other duties as assigned. Work rotating shifts, rotating assignments, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required to maintain continuous detention center operations.

QUALIFICATIONS.

A.  Education.  High school diploma or equivalent. 

B.  Experience.  None.

C.  Education/Experience substitution.  N/A

D.  Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver’s license. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. Additional required certifications are obtained during the academy and maintained through employment in First Aid, CPR, Defensive Tactics, Firearm, and Bloodborne/Airborne pathogen.

E.  Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must undergo and pass written test, credibility/deception assessment, oral board, pre-employment background and driving record check; NCIC check, psychological exam, and medical/drug screening. Attend and successfully complete the seven-week academy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

• Basic detention center operations, security practices, and inmate supervision principles.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing detention operations.

• Safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and incident reporting requirements.

• Recordkeeping practices and documentation standards.

• Customer service principles and effective interpersonal communication techniques.

• Confidentiality requirements related to criminal justice and detention records.

Skill in:

• Analyzing and evaluating information accurately.

• Following established policies, procedures, and post orders.

• Handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports and documentation.

• Operating computers, standard office equipment, two-way radios, and other detention-related equipment.

• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply detention center security procedures, regulations, laws, policies, post orders, and operational practices.

• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.

• Shift efficiently between multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• React calmly, quickly, and effectively during emergencies and stressful situations.

• Exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions under pressure.

• Manage disruptive, combative, violent, or assaultive detainees and inmates using approved verbal de-escalation techniques and authorized physical control methods following successful completion of required training.

• Establish and maintain professional and effective relationships with detainees, inmates, coworkers, other criminal justice professionals, and members of the public.

• Maintain composure, professionalism, and attention to detail while working rotating shifts and responding to changing operational demands.

Compensation Range

$20.00 - $33.79

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

 

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.