Inmate Welfare Specialist

The position of Inmate Welfare Specialist plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the financial operations of the Inmate Welfare fund account.  This position requires a high level of integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential and responsible manner.   Analytical ability and professional office skills are required for successfully performing intermediately complex tasks independently in this position.  The Inmate Welfare Specialist will answer directly to the Inmate Services Sergeant.

Responsibilities require consistent attention and commitment to the agency’s mission.  All assigned duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an effective, efficient, and safe manner.  The staff member must accept the responsibility to support and promote this organization’s mission and comply with its directives.  Personal conduct and behavior (on duty as well as off duty) must be such that it does not bring disrepute or unnecessarily endanger the public’s trust or confidence in the agency or its members.  The position requires a high level of problem-solving ability, self-initiative, and the ability and willingness to work a majority of the time without direct supervision.  Successful performers are those who are capable and willing to make decisions that are consistently in line with the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives.

 

Major duties include but are not limited to:

 

• Maintaining and managing the Inmate Welfare account which includes collection, recording and disbursement of funds, according to established policies and procedures.
• Tracking and reconciling financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and accountability at all times.
• Preparing regular financial reports and statements related to the Inmate Welfare account, providing detailed information on funds received, disbursed and remaining balances
• Reviewing and verifying requests for accuracy, authenticity, and appropriateness of expenditures
• Maintaining proper documentation of all disbursements made from the Inmate Welfare account
• Ensuring compliance with internal and external auditors, providing necessary documentation and support as required
• Assistance in conducting periodic audits of the Inmate Welfare account to ensure accuracy, transparency, and adherence to established policies and procedures
• Collaborating with other departments, such as Finance, Legal and Administration, to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of financial operations
• Assisting other departments within Inmate Services Unit

 

When not busy with required tasks, the member is expected to use their self-directed work time in an efficient manner.  This means self-initiating performance on priority performance tasks as assigned.  The staff member is expected to be responsible for knowing his or her routine job assignments and performing them without continuous direction.  If another member’s work becomes backlogged due to an occasional heavy workload and member has his/her duties caught up, jobholder is expected to voluntarily assist in clearing up the backlog.  The Inmate Welfare Specialist shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

Additional Duties:

 

Counting and verify inmate monies, bail money, receipts, and prepare bank deposits

Credit accounts from money orders

Review release slips to ensure accounts were closed

Generate inmate account transaction reports and review for accuracy

Charge accounts for medical, dental, booking, and daily subsistence fees

Process and answer inmate requests pertaining to inmate accounts

Review on-line banking transactions regarding inmate property account and reconcile bank statements

Process and write checks daily

Review and comply with court orders pertaining to inmate funds

Meet with auditors and prepare requested documentation for review

Review and discuss contracts with vendors and Sheriff’s Office Attorney

Minimum Education and Training

High School Diploma or GED; one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None noted at this time

Preferred Skills:
Bookkeeping and accounting knowledge
Knowledge of state statutes
Ability to operate Microsoft Office and Quicken Program
Ability to operate/learn commissary vendor software

Physical Demands: 

Tasks are performed inside and typically do not require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy loads.

Work Environment: 

Work conditions are generally stable.

 

Removal:

Removal can be with or without fault of the jobholder or the agency.  Economic conditions that cause reductions in work force, the member’s inability to attend regularly to work, chronic illness, and a failure to perform competently on any of the critical tasks of the position or a consistent failure to perform competently on regular tasks are among the major reasons for job removal without fault.  Failure to support the agency’s mission, uphold the oath of office, behave in manner that supports the Sheriff’s Office Code of Conduct, continually comply with preconditions for original employment, or to display due regard for the civil liberties of any persons will lead to removal with or without fault.   In addition, accruing atypical amounts of dysfunctional work time or requiring atypical amounts of supervisory counseling or remedial training will lead to removal with or without fault.   (Pursuant to section IX of the rules and regulations)

 

Salary : $39,677