Detention Officer

A Career in Public Safety May Be Closer Than You Think

At the Caldwell County Detention Center (CCDC), we are looking for dependable people who communicate well, make good decisions, work effectively with others, and can remain professional when situations become difficult.

If you have worked in customer service, retail, restaurants, healthcare, hospitality, security, manufacturing, the military, or another fast-paced environment, you may already have many of the skills needed to succeed in corrections. You do not need a background in law enforcement or corrections to become a Detention Officer.

CCDC provides paid on-the-job training. We can teach you facility operations, procedures, security practices, and the technical aspects of the job. What we need from you is a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, good judgment, integrity, and the ability to work with people.

WHAT DOES A DETENTION OFFICER DO?

Detention Officers are responsible for maintaining the safety, security, supervision, and orderly operation of the detention facility.

Daily responsibilities may include:

• Supervising detainees within housing units
• Conducting security checks and monitoring movement throughout the facility
• Maintaining safety, security, and order
• Communicating with detainees and addressing routine concerns
• Using communication and de-escalation skills to resolve conflict
• Processing detainees during booking and release
• Enforcing facility rules and expectations
• Assisting with medication distribution
• Supervising meals, laundry, recreation, and other daily activities
• Responding to emergencies and critical incidents
• Completing reports and documenting incidents
• Working alongside other officers and supervisors to safely operate the facility

This is an active position that requires interaction with people throughout the shift. Detention Officers are expected to recognize changing situations, solve problems, make decisions, and take responsibility for the safety and security of the facility.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Some of our most important qualifications cannot be measured by whether someone has previously worn a badge. We are interested in applicants who can:

• Remain calm when dealing with angry, frustrated, or emotional people
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Give directions and establish appropriate boundaries
• Tell someone “no” without unnecessarily escalating the situation
• Treat people with dignity while still enforcing rules
• Make reasonable decisions under pressure
• Recognize potential problems before they become larger ones
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Accept constructive feedback
• Take responsibility for their decisions and actions
• Remain dependable and professional throughout a demanding shift

Our officers are expected to be firm, fair, and consistent.

TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Have you handled an angry customer without losing your temper?

Worked a busy shift where several people needed something at the same time?

Resolved disagreements between customers or coworkers?

Helped a struggling teammate finish the job?

Stayed professional while someone else was being disrespectful?

Had to make decisions quickly when plans suddenly changed?

Customer service, healthcare, hospitality, retail, security, military service, public safety, and other people-focused careers can provide a strong foundation for detention work.

Military members and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

SCHEDULE

Detention Officers work 12-hour shifts on a Panama rotation.

Day Shift:
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Night Shift:
7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

The Panama rotation provides employees with regularly scheduled days off and every other weekend as a three-day weekend.

TRAINING PROVIDED

CCDC provides paid on-the-job training for newly hired Detention Officers.

You do not need to arrive knowing how to work in a detention facility. Our training program is designed to introduce new officers to facility operations, policies, security procedures, communication, detainee supervision, and the practical skills necessary to perform the job safely and professionally.

We are looking for people who are willing to learn and capable of becoming dependable members of our team.

BASIC EXPECTATIONS

Applicants must:

• Be drug-free, including marijuana
• Successfully complete required pre-employment screening
• Have reliable transportation
• Be dependable and capable of working assigned 12-hour shifts
• Be willing to learn and follow established policies and procedures
• Be capable of working professionally in a secure detention environment

START YOUR CAREER IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Bring your work ethic. Bring your communication skills. Bring your judgment, dependability, and willingness to learn. We will provide the training.

Apply today for a Detention Officer position with the Caldwell County Detention Center.

Pay: $18.50 - $19.43 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Military leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $19