Detention Services Worker (Custodian)

The Position



T his is a continuous recruitment

Current Filing: 6/12/2026, last day to apply 6/30/26 by 11:59 PM (PST)

Please Note: Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as posting may close at any time

Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - General Services & Maintenance Unit

Why work at Contra Costa County - Office of the Sheriff?

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services. The Office of the Sheriff offers a full range of services to over 1,000,000 residents in the 715-square mile county. The duties and mission of the Sheriff's Office are unlike most police agencies. Responsibilities include unincorporated area policing, contract cities (Danville, Lafayette, and Orinda) and special districts, air support (helicopters), marine patrol, dispatch, investigations, coroners, county detention facilities, custody alternative, court security, forensic services, police academy, and Office of Emergency Services.

Contra Costa County is currently recruiting to fill Detention Services Worker vacancies; the current vacancy is within the Office of the Sherrif, however, this list may be used to fill other county-wide vacancies as they arise.

This is a great opportunity for individuals with custodial, maintenance, or facility support experience who are interested in working in a structured, team-oriented environment. County detention facilities are located in Martinez, Richmond, and Clayton, CA.

Under general supervision, Detention Services Workers perform a variety of essential duties including cleaning, sanitation, basic maintenance, and support services to help ensure safe, clean, and well-maintained detention facilities. This is the journey-level classification in the Detention Services series. Positions in this class work under the direction of a Lead Detention Services Worker or a Detention Services Supervisor and play a key role in the daily operations and upkeep of County detention facilities.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• An effective communicator. Able to builds and maintain relationships through thoughtful communication.
• Is inclusive. Able to work comfortably with others and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Team oriented. Has a positive attitude and supports shared goals.
• Composed. Able to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Dependable. Demonstrates reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to completing assignments with care and consistency.
  
  

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Maintaining cleanliness.
• Sanitizing detention facilities.
• Ensuring overall appearance of assigned areas.
• Stocking various areas with necessary supplies.
• Providing great service.
• Giving direction to inmates.
• Working and communicating with coworkers on daily tasks.
• Lifting and moving heavy items (up to 50lbs.)
  
  

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• You will work in a team-oriented environment.
• You will have the opportunity to work an alternate schedule (4/10).
• You will have a great work/life balance.
• You will work with great staff with years of knowledge and experience you can learn from.
• You will be eligible for competitive benefits and a reliable pension.
  
  

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work non-traditional work schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• You will have occasional overtime based on operational needs.
• You will provide direction/supervision to inmates in a secure environment.
  
  

Competencies required:

• Building and Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Handling and Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations.
• Professional impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization.
• Driving Results: Demonstrating concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal standard of excellence.
• Self-management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
• Innovative problem solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business.
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information.
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
  
  

For the full job description, click here to view the Detention Services Worker classification.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may remain in effect for up to six (6) months. This list may also be used to fill future vacancies in other County departments utilizing this classification.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Experience: Either (1) one year in the class of Detention Services Aide in Contra Costa County, OR (1) one year of institutional cleaning and maintenance experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of custodial and sanitation standards.
• Experience working in an institutional or correctional environment.
• Strong verbal communication and de-escalation skills.
• Experience supervising or directing inmate workers or similar crews.
• Understanding of safety, security and emergency procedures.
• Positive, team-oriented approach with a strong work ethic.
  
  

Selection Process

• Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit a completed supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed to determine which candidates demonstrate the best qualifications for the position and will be invited to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. on the last day for filing. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next testing cycle.
• Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
• Written Multiple Choice Assessment: A written multiple-choice assessment will be administered to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but are not limited to: Building and maintaining relationships, Handling and resolving conflict, Professional impact, Driving results, Self-management, Adaptability, Attention to detail, Decision making, Innovating problem solving, Safety focus, Reading Comprehension, and Oral Communication. Applicants must achieve a passing score in order to be ranked on the employment list. (Weighted 100%)
• Departmental Interview: Candidates who successfully complete all prior phases of the selection process will be invited to participate in a departmental interview.
  
  

The written assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. You will not be able to take the assessment using a mobile device such as a cell phone.

Application & Assessment Timeline

This recruitment runs on a recurring filing and assessment schedule. Please review the timelines below carefully:

Filing Period: Assessment Dates

May 1 to May 10 2026

May 2026

May 11 to May 25, 2026

June 2026

May 26 to June 11, 2026

June 2026

June 12 to June 30, 2026

July 2026

July 1 to July 15, 2026

July 2026

July 16 to July 30, 2026

August 2026

August 3 to August 16, 2026 September 2026

August 17 to September 9, 2026 September 2026

This recruitment may close at any time

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Norma Martinez at Norma.Martinez@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.