Detention Officer

Under general supervision, responsible for the supervision of the SF Adult Detention Center, as well as, accountability for the safety and well-being of the inmates, and the safety of employees and citizens of the SF Adult Detention Center.

• Receives, searches, fingerprints, issues facility uniforms; classifies housing of arriving inmates.  According to policy, confirms, clears and sends locates on warrants.   Prepares and escorts inmates for transport to various locations including medical appointments and court, monitors inmate in court and may take into custody court committed defendants.  
• Prepares food trays for service and feeds inmates.  Ensures sanitary standards are maintained and ensures janitorial related functions are performed throughout the facility.  
• Monitors inmates’ well-being; summons medical aid; and communicates with medical staff.  Assists the medical staff with dispensing of medication according to the medical instructions.  
• Patrols and maintains security of designated areas of the facility and controls traffic to and from specific areas.  Responsible for incidents reports; conducts periodic cell searches to ensure adherence to jail rules and regulations and confiscates contraband; picks up mail and inspects prior to distributing to inmates; Writes reports documenting incidents and places items into evidence.  Monitors inmates both directly in person and by use of an indirect video monitoring system.  
• Accesses information from a computer system and pulls records for court and assesses records.   Maintains and updates jail counter, answers questions both in person and over the phone.  Documents citizen complaints using applicable departmental procedures.   Performs specific duties if assigned to the following areas:  property, transportation, recreation, escort, roving, visiting room, booking, main control, housing, segregation and intake. 

Knowledge/Skills:

• Write legible reports in English using correct grammar.  
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages.  
• Ability to effectively interact with others; express thoughts logically; communicate verbally; react quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.  
• Must be computer literate.   

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must successfully complete the Detention Officer Academy, sponsored by the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility within six (6) months of hire.

Working Conditions:

Adult detention center setting.  Work is performed in both an office setting and outdoors, in varied weather conditions.  Work schedule shall include shift, evening, weekend, holiday and on-call hours.  Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, lifting (25 lbs. max.), drag up to 175 lbs.; must be able to deal effectively and therapeutically with dysfunctional behavior; Must be able to move or re-position up to 10 pounds of materials or objects, occasionally will lift up to 300 lbs. by use of buddy lifting or device to move detainees, and assist the disabled with showering or other personal needs. Participants may be argumentative and confrontational at times, requiring quick reflexive responses.  May require arduous physical exertion under vigorous and unusual conditions.   Manual and finger dexterity required.   May be subject to cuts, bruises, scrapes, burns, broken bones, insect and/or animal bites, germs, bacteria, viruses, environmental allergens, gases and fumes. Incumbent will be subject to random pat down searches and random drug testing. May be subject to life threatening situations.  Essential employees shall be required to work assigned shifts regardless of adverse weather conditions or holidays. 

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.