Detention Officer

Job Summary

The primary function of this position is to conduct jail operations with regards to the safe and secure detention and processing of arrested persons. Additional task outside the jail may be assigned if no prisoners are in custody. Every employee in this department must make ethical decisions daily, conform to applicable laws and departmental policy, communicate effectively with our citizens and coworkers and remain professional in all circumstances.

Examples of Duties

• Supervise and perform all jail operations, which include: book-in and release of prisoners, prisoner arraignments, regular prisoner security checks, meal preparation, and stocking and cleaning of the jail facility.
• Operating any city vehicle in a safe manner under a variety of weather and lighting conditions, ensuring the vehicle is properly maintained, fueled and cleaned.
• Communicate effectively via police radio, telephone, and in person, with citizens, coworkers, supervisors, and instructors, including persons of diverse backgrounds without prejudice.
• Pickup or transport equipment or prisoners as directed daily and escort prisoners outside of their cells as may be necessary.
• Physically restrain individuals that are under arrest that may be uncooperative or combative. Physically assist individuals in walking and entering the jail.
• Routinely produce complete and detailed written and typed reports, jail records and document calls and investigations.
• Remain standing in a stationary position for four or more hours while monitoring prisoners, assisting peace officers, or monitoring contractors within secured areas of the detention facility.
• Administer CPR/First Aid in emergency situations.
• Must be able to take money for bonds fees and correctly document receipt and book keeper of the jail bond funds.
• Safely and effectively use any authorized duty weapon, and demonstrate proficiency annually.
• Must be able to work independently without direct supervision on any shift, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, and accept on-call status. Must be able to work outside in any weather condition.
• Will be required to clean bodily fluids and handle individuals that may have bodily fluids on their person.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform and meet all physical requirements, skills, and abilities listed.
  
  

Typical Qualifications

• Maintain minimal fitness levels to perform all tasks.
• Ability to multitask under stressful situations and drive a city vehicle safely under a variety of conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances & run after prisoners.
• Ability to remain seated or standing for long periods of time while remaining alert, working independently without direct supervision on any shift, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, and accept on-call status.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others, writing, comprehending, and speaking the English language. Must remain professional and courteous while dealing with often angry or hostile individuals.
• Ability to work with others effectively as a team to accomplish tasks without discriminating against race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status.
• Ability to bend and lift 50lbs or more.
• Must pass Basic Jailer Course and state exam within first year of employment.
• Must pass Intoxilyzer Course and state exam within the first year of employment.
• Must have vision correctable to 20/20, hearing correctable to normal range, and use of both hands.
• Attend required training, which might require travel occasionally overnight, or attend and testify in court when summoned.
• Work twelve hour shift without designated break periods during that shift. Paid breaks will be allowed as workload and staffing permit.
  
  

Education and Experience

Required

• Minimum of 18 years of age and U.S. citizenship.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid Texas driver’s license without restriction (except A) at the time of appointment. In the past three years; no more than three moving violations, three accidents, nor any involuntary license suspensions.
• Never convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor or higher level offense.
• No misdemeanor convictions above Class C in the past five years.
• Nothing less than “Honorably Discharged” from military service.
• Pass pre-employment physical, drug screen, written and oral entrance exams, polygraph, psychological and a detailed background investigation.
• Ability to type 25WPM, with a working knowledge of basic computer operations using Windows and Microsoft Office.
  
  

Preferred

• Some College
• TCLEOSE Basic Jailer Certificate
• Superior physical fitness
• Ability to speak Spanish
  
  

Benefits For All Full-time/Part-time Regular Employees Include

TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM

All full-time employees are participants of TMRS; this is a mandatory contribution. (Part-time regular employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week are participants of TMRS) The employee contribution rate is 7% per pay period; the City matches the contribution 2-1. There is a 5 year vesting period. Employees are eligible to retire at any age after 20 years of service or at age 60 with 5 years of service.

OPTIONAL RETIREMENTThe City offers employees the option of contributing to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and/or Roth IRA’s through payroll deduction. The City does not match these contributions.

SOCIAL SECURITY/FICA

These deductions are matched by the City.

MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION COVERAGE

All full-time employees have Medical, Dental, Vision, Life w/AD&D, and LTD insurance coverage paid for by the City. (Part-time regular employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week qualify for this coverage) Employees have the option of purchasing dependent coverage.

SECTION 125 IRS BENEFIT PLANS

Employees who have dependent health or any supplementary insurance premiums deducted from their checks are eligible to pay their premiums, "pre-taxed". Pre-taxed flexible spending accounts are also available for health and dependent care.

Voluntary/Supplemental Benefits

Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental benefits through AFLAC and LegalShield.

VACATION

Full-time Employees Vacation Accrues As Follows

0-5 years 10 days per year

5-10 years 15 days per year

10-20 years 20 days per year

20 years 25 days per year

Employees are eligible to take vacation after 6 months of employment.

Part-time regular employees accrue vacation leave at ½ the accrual rate of a full-time employee.

SICK LEAVE

Sick leave accrues at 8 hours per month for full-time employees. (Fire accrues at 12 hours per month) Maximum accrual is 1,040 hours.

Part-time regular employees accrue sick leave at ½ the accrual rate of a full-time employee.

SICK LEAVE POOL

The sick leave pool allows the employees to donate up to 24 hours of sick leave per year (employees must have a minimum of 96 hours of sick leave accumulated before contributing). This pool was created to help employees during a catastrophic injury or illness.

HOLIDAYS

Full-time employees receive 14 paid holidays per year. This includes 1 personal floating holiday that may be taken at any time during the calendar year after 6 months of employment.

New Year’s Day Columbus Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Veterans Day

Presidents Day Thanksgiving Day

Good Friday Day after Thanksgiving

Memorial Day Christmas Eve

Juneteenth Christmas Day

Independence Day Floating Holiday (Personal Day)

Labor Day

Part-time regular employees accrue holiday leave at ½ the accrual rate of a full-time employee.

LONGEVITY

All full-time employees with more than 1 year of service are eligible to receive longevity pay at the rate of $10 per month for each month of service. This is paid once a year in November. Part-time regular employees become eligible to receive this benefit after 5 years of service.

CERTIFICATE PAY

Some employees may be eligible to receive Certificate Pay in increments of $50, $100 or $125 per month depending upon the type of certification. Certification that is required per the job description in order to be employed is not eligible for pay under this plan.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Full-time employees may be reimbursed up to $300 per semester for college courses. The courses must relate to their job, must have a passing grade of at least a “C”, and obtain Director approval. This benefit may be used after 6 months of employment.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Provided by the city to help employees and their family members manage life’s challenges by identifying options and making informed choices regarding Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services, and Work/Life Wellness Resources.

PARK PASSES

Full-time and part-time regular employees receive a free year round park pass that can be used at Stewart Creek and Hidden Cove Park.