Detention Officer

Provides corrections services involving the health, safety and security of inmates and the public in a County corrections facility or program.   Monitors prisoners’ activities and maintains necessary records.

May book, classify, transfer, transport and/or release inmates with attention to the health, safety and security of other officers, inmates and the public

Conducts inspections, shakedowns and inmate searches.  Does physical check of inmates and the public

Completes, checks and processes official papers and documents

Conducts safety inspections and inspections of fire exists and equipment

Provides informal counseling to inmates

Assists medical staff with distribution of medications to inmates

Intervenes and resolves crisis situations such as fights and medical emergencies

Conducts head counts of inmates

Conducts and inventories all keys and equipment from previous shift

Serves or supervises the serving of meals to inmates

Supervises work performed by inmates

Assists with personal needs of inmates, such as telephone calls, mail, laundry, visits and commissary

Monitors and assists visitors and may maintain visitors’ list

Keeps records of incidents and activities during shift

May be assigned to conduct recreational programs for inmates

May be assigned to train new officers in procedural aspects of the job

May be assigned to transportation and court security duties, including transportation of inmates to other local, state and federal penal institutions

May confiscate, inventory and store property from new inmates and release property to outgoing prisoners

May respond to inmate request forms

May be involved in organizing church services, GED classes, substance abuse classes and fire drills

Handles and cares for dogs involved in narcotics investigation

Regular attendance

Get along with others

Graduation from a high school or equivalent (GED)

 

Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages

Applicant must, at the time of appointment to the position, meet the minimum age requirement for Basic Certification as a Jailer from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Applicant must, within one (1) year of appointment to the position, obtain and thereafter maintain a Basic Certification as a Jailer from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license

 

Must be able to be insured by the County’s insurance carrier

Knowledge of laws, departmental policies, rules, regulations, instructions and correctional literature regarding the custody of persons

 

Ability to understand and follow oral instructions

 

Ability to write clear and concise reports and to maintain complete records as required

 

Ability to meet established physical standards

 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees and officials, inmates and the public

 

Employee may be assigned other duties in addition to those listed and duties may change according to changing needs of department