Detentions Technician I/Ii

The County is seeking responsible, level-headed, stable individuals interested in a career in corrections supervising inmates in the Kings County jail. Anticipated vacancies exist and training will be provided! Must be able to work in a hostile environment and maintain sound judgment and a tolerant attitude. Must be willing and able to work shifts, holidays and weekends.

SALARY
Detentions Technician I: $18.27 - $22.29 Hourly, $38, 001.60 - $46, 363.20 Annually
Detentions Technician II: $20.18 - $24.62 Hourly, $41, 974.40 - $51, 209.60 Annually

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Detentions Technician is the generalist non-sworn technical classification series assigned to the Detention Division of the Sheriff’s Office.

Detentions Technician I is the entry-level, trainee class in the series requiring no previous detentions experience. Incumbents work under relatively close supervision and are given training in the various clerical and technical aspects of detentions support work. Incumbents are expected to work under close supervision until fully trained. Incumbents are expected to advance to the II level upon satisfactory completion of the minimum qualifications for the higher level and when, upon the recommendation of the Department Head, they have demonstrated the ability to perform at the experienced level.

The Detentions Technician II is the fully experienced level in the series with the demonstrated ability to perform successfully at the various Detentions Technician assignments. Under limited supervision, incumbents perform a wide variety of detailed and highly responsible clerical and technical detentions functions throughout the County jail with a high consequence of error. Incumbents at both levels work in a medium and maximum security setting in the County Jail. The County Jail enforces a “lock-down, no hostages” policy in the event of an inmate disturbance. Although incumbents’ specific duties may vary due to shift and assignment, all incumbents provide observation and indirect supervision of inmates in support of Detentions Deputies. Detentions Technician differs from Detentions Deputy in that the former is not expected to have physical contact with inmates and is not expected to physicallytake enforcement actions.

Assists Detentions Deputies in maintaining security of area by monitoring inmate movement and activity through direct visual contact, audio and video monitoring system; controls and operates interior and exterior electronically controlled security doors and gates; monitors and screens entry and exit of authorized personnel; visually monitors transport tunnel, court unit, exercise yards and housing units; observes inmate activity and gives verbal direction to inmates regarding action or movement; observes inmate activities and advises sworn staff of immediate or potential problems; notifies appropriate personnel in emergency situations; monitors radio traffic; maintains surveillance of Detentions Deputies for personal safety throughout the facility including but not limited to while Detentions Deputies are in housing units, sally port and transport tunnel; processes inmates into detention facility; performs a variety of duties concerning the booking and processing of inmates; initiates and completes applicable booking forms; processes transfers and/or releases of inmates; assists with processing inmates’ personal property and clothing including documenting and securing personal belongings of arrestees; questions arrestees in order to complete booking records; tracks inmate movement and maintains inmate body count statistics; maintains records of release dates for inmates; operates a variety of office equipment including computers; enters, verifies and retrieves data and information using CLETS terminal and Jail Management System (JMS); operates computer system to access information for previous arrests, outstanding warrants, and status of inmates; enters booking/release information; coordinates detentions schedule with Court calendar for purposes of inmate transportation; coordinates appropriate paperwork regarding inmate court appearances and releases;provides assistance to the public and other agencies in person via telephone or correspondence; maintains accurate account of inmate funds; completes and maintains a variety of clerical documents, including reports, files, correspondence, legal forms, schedules, orders, notices, and statistical data; receives, inspects, processes and distributes mail; completes and maintains a variety of bookkeeping and/or accounting documents, including invoices, ledgers, purchase orders, and financial data; collects money and maintains accurate accounts; stocks and delivers supplies; prepares and processes newspaper, book and other library orders; trains or assists with training other employees; may conduct initial interviews of inmates and others referred by the courts for determination of eligibility for programs inside and outside of the facility; may operate a non-emergency County vehicle for errands, pick-ups or deliveries; may testify in court.

Please note: Because this is a law enforcement application, it is required that your application show ALL education and experience that you possess. All work experience must be shown. Omissions may be seen as falsifying your application. A resume may be attached, but is not a substitute for completing the application. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment process.

Detentions Technician I:
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience: None required.

Level II (Detentions Technician II):
Education: Same as Detentions Technician I above.
Experience and Training:1) One year of experience performing duties equivalent to a Kings County Detentions Technician or Detentions Deputy; OR, 2) One year recent experience working in a law enforcement position and successful completion of the Kings County Detentions Technician JTO (Job Training Orientation) may substitute for the required experience.
Both Levels (Detentions Technician I and II):
License: Possess and maintain a valid, appropriate California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at time of appointment.
Special Requirements: Ability to qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and/or a fingerprint check. Ability to work a flexible work schedule and shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, and overtime. Ability to type/computer keyboard with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the duties of the position. Ability to work in a locked detentions facility which enforces a “lock down, no hostages” policy. Ability to speak and enunciate clearly and with appropriate volume over radio and telephone; hear telephone conversations and normal radio communications with static or weak transmissions; climb stairs without assistance; work at computer consoles for extended periods of time, primarily in a sitting position. Ability to work alone or with others for extended periods of time remaining alert and on task; multi task; see in color for purposes of monitoring inmates and inmate security systems. Ability to lift, carry or move objects weighing up to 55 pounds. Certain positions may be designated as bilingual requiring fluency in a foreign language.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in the Jail, which is a controlled access, lock-down detentions facility with concrete flooring and stairs. Incumbents may work in various assignments in the Jail, including working in Central Control, Secondary Control, Booking, Court tunnel, and/or Housing Control Pods. Incumbents must function effectively in an environment that is frequently unpleasant, unpredictable and/or nauseating. Incumbent works alone in control pod for extended periods. Uniforms and employee identification are mandatory. Requires mobility and dexterity to work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment, including typing, touchscreen monitors, and sitting at a computer for extended periods; climb stairs to access pods and other work locations; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the phone, by radio and intercom; vision to read things up close and far away, to oversee the detentions facilities, and to read handwritten, printed material and computer screen; ability to distinguish colors to identify inmate clothing and to view color computer monitors; light to moderate lifting and/or carrying of inmate property and office supplies; push carts containing supplies; manipulate files, paper and other equipment; and safely operate a motor vehicle.

A detailed job description for Detentions Technician I/II is available here.

(4) Background investigation (pass/fail). Applicants must undergo and pass a thorough and detailed personal background investigation. These investigations include employment/credit histories, arrest/criminal records, drug/alcohol use and personal conduct. In addition applicants are required to undergo and pass a drug screening and a medical examination.