Assistant Jail Administrator

Job Summary:

The Assistant Jail Administrator is a senior-level management and leadership position, which plays a critical role in supporting the Jail Administrator in managing the daily operations of the correctional facility. This role involves overseeing the facility's security, staff, inmate management, budgeting, and compliance with legal standards, ensuring the effective operation of the jail.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: (These responsibilities are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

Daily Jail Operations Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the jail, ensuring the facility is secure, safe, and operates efficiently.
• Ensure the implementation of policies and procedures that govern inmate management, staff duties, and the overall operation of the jail.
• Ensure safety and well-being of inmates, staff, and the public by enforcing security measures and maintaining a secure facility.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Supervise and lead correctional officers, providing guidance, direction, training, and conducting performance evaluations. Provide oversight and direction of civilian and contracted staff,
• Assist in recruitment, selection, and retention efforts for jail personnel.
• Implement and manage ongoing training programs for staff on jail policies, safety protocols, and legal compliance.

Budget and Financial Oversight:

• Assist in developing, managing, and monitoring the jail’s annual budget, ensuring expenditures align with approved allocations.
• Track costs related to operations, supplies, inmate care, and security equipment to identify opportunities for cost-saving.

Policy Implementation and Legal Compliance:

• Ensure that the jail is operating in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including inmate rights, health, and safety laws.
• Stay informed of relevant laws and policies affecting jail operations and propose updates as needed.
• Review and enforce facility policies related to inmate treatment, discipline, and grievance procedures.

Security and Emergency Response:

• Monitor facility security systems, including surveillance, alarms, and physical security to prevent escapes or disturbances.
• Respond to security breaches, inmate altercations, and emergencies by taking appropriate action and ensuring timely resolution.
• Conduct safety drills, including fire and evacuation drills, and evaluate staff readiness for emergencies.

Inmate Programs and Services:

• Oversee inmate rehabilitation programs, educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities.
• Ensure the effective management of inmate housing, including classification, movement, and release scheduling.
• Ensure appropriate healthcare services and visitation schedules are maintained for inmates.

Incident Management and Investigation:

• Investigate incidents involving inmates, staff, or visitors, including reports of misconduct, injuries, or disturbances.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of incidents, providing documentation to the Jail Administrator and other relevant authorities.
• Collaborate with internal and external agencies to resolve issues related to jail operations.

PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Compliance:

• Receive, assess, and investigate all PREA-related reports and allegations of sexual abuse or harassment within the facility.
• Ensure that investigations are conducted in a timely, thorough, and sensitive manner, adhering to legal standards and preserving the integrity of the investigative process.
• Maintain confidentiality during investigations and ensure appropriate follow-up actions, including disciplinary measures, medical care, and psychological support for victims.
• Ensure staff and inmates are regularly educated about PREA policies, rights, and reporting mechanisms.
• Collaborate with external agencies as necessary, to address PREA-related concerns.

Body Scanner Oversight:

• Oversee the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and management of the body scanner, ensuring that it functions effectively in preventing the introduction of contraband.
• Lead training efforts for staff on body scanner usage, ensuring consistent and efficient implementation of safety and security protocols.
• Monitor the effectiveness of body scanning procedures and make recommendations for improvements to ensure optimal security measures.

Communication and Coordination:

• Maintain open communication and foster positive relationships between the jail and other county departments, law enforcement agencies, court administration, court services, and community organizations.
• Acts as liaison to Federal Bureau of Prisons, MN Department of Corrections, contract counties and volunteers.
• Represent the facility at public meetings, community outreach efforts, and in discussions with other governmental entities as needed.
• Collaborate with the Jail Administrator in strategic planning to improve jail operations and safety.

Operational Reporting:

• Prepare and submit reports on jail operations, staffing, incidents, budget status, and compliance to the Jail Administrator, local government officials, and regulatory bodies.
• Review reports and data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Risk Management:

• Proactively identify potential risks or vulnerabilities within the facility and recommend or implement corrective actions.
• Assist in the development of emergency protocols and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in criminal justice studies, corrections or related behavioral science field and four (4) years of experience in a correctional or law enforcement setting; or an associate’s degree (A.A) in criminal justice studies, corrections or related behavioral science field and six (6) years of experience in a correctional or law enforcement setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Mandated training as prescribed in Minnesota statute, rule and office policy (within 90 days of hire) in areas including:

• CPR and First Aid.
• Physical and mental illness recognition
• Conducted Energy Device/Taser
• Use of Force
• Medication administration
• Facility security

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
• In-depth knowledge of correctional facility operations, safety procedures, and legal standards.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Proficient in using correctional management software and other relevant technologies.
• Respectfully, tactfully and courteously responding to inmate and public inquiries.
• Supervising and directing the work plans and functions of clerical/technical staff.
• Performing professional research and preparing comprehensive plans and reports.
• Communicating and enforcing Sheriff’s Office, jail and county policies and practices.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with employees, supervisors, department heads, officials, other law enforcement agencies, and the public.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, supervise and delegate effectively.
• Knowledge of court, probation rules and regulations.
• Operation of radios, telephones, computers, printers, copiers and fax machines.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret ordinances, laws and policy.
• Ability to testify in administrative and judicial hearings.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Preparing and presenting numerical and narrative reports.
• Recording and maintaining records accurately.
• Caring for and using specialized jail equipment.
• Using sound judgment and decisive actions in emergency situations.
• Maintaining the confidence and trust of peers, supervisors, and the public
• Applying sound techniques of management and leadership.
• Use of force laws, policies and techniques.

Working Conditions:

• Work may require evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Must be available to respond to facility emergencies during non-business hours.
• Exposure to high-stress environments and potential for physical confrontations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a secure correctional facility environment, including the ability to handle emergency situations.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move quickly in an emergency.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed. May occasionally need to lift or drag up to 200 pounds or more.
• Physical and mental resilience to handle challenging and potentially dangerous situations.

Selection Process:

Applications will be accepted until 4/8/2025

First round interviews will be held via technology on 4/16/2025

For those selected, 2nd Round interviews will be held on 4/25/2025 at the Renville County Jail

Renville County Benefits Information:

https://www.renvillecountymn.gov/employment/benefits/