Detention Officer

The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the Detention Officer position. This role involves performing a wide range of law enforcement duties related to the care, custody, and supervision of individuals housed in the Alamance County Detention Center. Detention Officers play a vital part in maintaining facility safety and security, preventing and detecting criminal activity, and upholding the criminal laws of North Carolina. Responsibilities include general jail operations, ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff, and maintaining order within the facility. Successful candidates must demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to interact with the public and inmates with tact, courtesy, and firmness. The position involves exposure to the typical risks associated with law enforcement environments.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sheriff and designated supervisory staff. Performance is evaluated through daily reports, supervisory conferences, and the overall effectiveness of security practices and policy compliance within the detention center.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Accept custody of offenders from the arresting officers and booking offenders into the detention center by completing
   required forms and utilizing the jail management system.           
• Must have excellent computer skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Obtain and maintains certifications applicable for the position. 
• Possess excellent report writing skills.
• Verifying the identification of persons in custody and checking for outstanding warrants. 
• Escorting offenders throughout the detention center.
• Use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with the department’s mission and values.
• Reports to duty on time and has regular attendance.
• Exercises rational judgement.
• Maintains the confidence and trust of peers, superiors and the public.
• Excellent communication skills and possess the ability to work well with others.
• Answers phone calls, provides information to mail bondsmen, families, attorneys, court officials and other law     
  enforcement personnel. 
• Possess the ability to adjust to a fast-paced environment.
• Answer questions directed by the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Observe and monitor the status and behavior of offenders to gain compliance with prescribed operating and  
   safety standards.
• Detects hazardous or emergency situations in the detention facility and assist in handling combative, uncooperative,
   and argumentative offenders.
• Carries out any or all other duties as directed by the Sheriff or his designee.Minimum Qualifications: 
• Must be at least 20 years of age. 
• Possess as High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Currently hold or the ability to obtain a detention officer certification in the State of North Carolina through the    
   North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards. 
• Must be able to successfully pass the following: Oral Interview, Background Check, Polygraph Examination, 
   Medical, Exam, Psychological Exam, Drug Screening, and any other additional supplemental interviews with Detention 
   Administration.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a detention or correctional facility.

Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint Experience)
 • Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions. 
 • Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
 • Autonomy – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
 • Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others and respond to a diverse
   community. 
 • Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
 • Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
 • Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in
   the workplace.
 • Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and
   procedures. Use initiative and proper judgement when carrying out tasks and responsibilities.  
• Multitasking -Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
 • Problem Solving/Decision Making - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related
      problems.  Possess the ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies.
 • Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with elected officials, co-workers and the public.
 • Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
 • Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.      
     Must be able to work independently and organize work to meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy. 



N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs./day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs./day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs./day)
 12 lbs. or less  F
13-25 lbs.  F
26-40 lbs.  F
41-100 lbs.  F
 Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral)
Color Differentiation: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to use general office equipment.