Detention Officer SD/10

Sheriff's Department

JOB SUMMARY

This position assists in providing security for inmates in the Mitchell County Jail.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Enforces jail rules and regulations.
• Inspects the conditions of locks, windows, grills, doors, and gates at the jail facility.
• Guards facility entrances and screens visitors.
• Participates in the provision of meals, medications and commissary items to inmates.
• Arranges daily schedules for inmates, including work assignments, family visits and medical visits.
• Manages and monitors inmate activities in cell blocks, recreation yards and other areas.
• Inspects inmate mail for contraband.
• Searches inmates and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband.
• Conducts fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
• Records and maintains inmate records.
• Processes incoming inmates; fingerprints inmates.
• Provides basic first aid to inmates and other county personnel.
• Assists in the maintenance of jail supply inventories.
• Conducts inmate head counts.
• Performs related duties.

  KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of jail policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Georgia laws and regulations governing jail operations.
• Knowledge of the constitutional rights of inmates.
• Knowledge of emergency operations procedures.
• Skill in the use of communications equipment and other standard and specialized equipment.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in the supervision of inmates.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Jail Administrator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include jail policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related detention officer duties. The necessity of responding to potentially dangerous situations contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in the management and security of inmates at the county jail. Successful performance helps ensure the safety and security of inmates, personnel and visitors.

  CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, judges, probation officers, parole officers, representatives of other law enforcement or correctional agencies, inmates, family members, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts heavy objects, climbs ladders, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office, in a detention facility, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of specialized equipment.

  SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

  None.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current jail certification requirements set forth by the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia.