Detention Officer

Dept/Div: Sheriff’s Office/N/A - FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Performs protective service work processing inmates, maintaining correctional facility security on a continual basis, escorting inmates to court, medical appointments, and related facilities, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Detention, Corporal.

Ensures the safety and security of inmates within the detention facility; controls inmates by performing routine facility checks, conducting head counts, and performing searches for contraband or unauthorized materials.

Receives and processes inmates into custody of the detention facility; searches prisoners; takes charge of personal property.

Escorts and transports inmates to court, medical, and other required appointments.

Oversees the handling and distribution of medications and meals; oversees approved inmate visitations.

Distributes inmate mail; issues personal hygiene items to inmates according to prescribed procedures.

Prepares reports and maintains files and records; enters accurate information into the computer system and updates records and files as necessary.

Encourages and promotes a culture of excellent customer service.

Some knowledge of the security, rules, regulations, and procedures of the institution; some knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly; ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately; ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; ability to prepare records and reports; ability to utilize defensive tactics and use reasonable force to gain control of violent inmates; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates, attorneys, and the general public.

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing and repetitive motions and occasionally requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires working in high, precarious places and occasionally requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Availability for emergency call-in.

Obtain Georgia Basic Jail Officer certification within six months.

Favorable background history as determined by review of local, State, and Federal records.

Valid driver's license in the State of Georgia with a favorable driving history (MVR).