Director Of Detention Center

Under limited supervision, the purpose of the class is to plan, coordinate and direct personnel, programs, and activities of the County Detention Center; to oversee daily jail administration and operations, to ensure the safety and security of detainees/inmates, staff, and the citizens of Richland County, and to ensure compliance with standards established by the South Carolina Department of Corrections and all governing regulations; and to perform related law enforcement as required. This class plans, organizes and implements programs within major organizational policies, reporting program progress to executive-level administration through reports and conferences. Prepares and oversees departmental budget and provides accurate and clear records on facility incidents. Reports to the County Administrator or designee.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Plans, coordinates and directs the overall programs and activities of the Detention Center’s adult and juvenile facilities. Specific duties include:

Directs the preparation and administration of the department’s annual budget, oversees fiscal management, and reviews and approve purchase requests.

Develops, implements, and ensures subordinates’ compliance with department policies, procedures, and standards of quality and safety.

Supervises detention personnel through the chain of command. Supervisory duties include, interviewing and screening prospective new hires, reviewing, initiating, and approving personnel actions.

Contributes to maintaining high morale among all County employees.

Instructing, planning and assigning work, reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, acting on employee problems, recommending and approving employee discipline and discharge. Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness, accuracy and compliance with policies and standards; evaluates performance and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.

Ensures staff receive the appropriate training such as ensuring that all detention officers receive training in accordance with state and federal laws and participate in officer training.

Directs County Detention Center operations, ensuring the safety and security of detainees/inmates, staff and the citizens of Richland County through the efficient and effective enforcement of jail policies and procedures.

Coordinates all Detention Center activities.

Conducts and/or supervises the conduct of periodic inspections of jail facility, cells and detainee/inmate property.

Evaluates and ensures that the basic needs of detainees/prisoners are met, including the availability of medical attention, hygiene supplies, clothing and nutritional meals.

Ensures the proper maintenance and timely repair of department equipment and vehicles.

Enforces local, state and federal laws in the jail environment; responds to and investigates major incidents, crimes and suspected criminal activity and takes appropriate action.

Investigates or oversees the investigation of detainee/inmate complaints misconduct.

Investigates or oversees the investigation of staff complaints and misconduct and recommends discipline to the County Administrator on major infractions of policy.

Immediately alerts the Jail Ad Hoc Committee and County Administration via verbal and/or written communication about all major incidents such as, but no limited to, employee misconduct (i.e., assaults on detainees/inmates or staff), detainee/inmate injuries requiring hospitalization and suicides, riots, factors that could compromise the safety and security of staff, and issues that could compromise the detainees/inmates’ quality of life (i.e., malfunctioning HVAC and plumbing).

Coordinates department activities with those of other County divisions and departments, other agencies and organizations as appropriate.

Reviews reports submitted by subordinates for completeness, accuracy and compliance with established policies and procedures.

Refers to and complies with the Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities in South Carolina.

Prepares and submits various reports as required by the County and other government agencies.

Ensures the proper preparation and maintenance of detention and administrative records.

Attends periodic training sessions and attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current detention trends and legislation; maintains required physical fitness and required level of proficiency in the use of firearms.

Receives, reviews, and responds to public inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance.

Conducts Detention Center tours for interested groups and individuals; participates in community activities to establish and maintain favorable community relations.

Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response.

Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including attending and conducting meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the County Administrator, Assistant County Administrator, co-workers, County department heads and employees, subordinates and other County officials, service contractors, vendors, representatives, Sheriff’s Office Command staff, Administrative staff, external agencies, staff, and the general public and responsible for fostering collaborative and positive working relationships with these various stakeholders.

Works with the South Carolina Department of Corrections personnel, social service and medical providers, health and fire inspectors, etc.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess and maintain Jail Officer and Jail Management certification from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Must meet other requirements as set forth in applicable South Carolina statutes and regulations.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Preferably, 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in law enforcement. Experience serving as a Jail Administrator or Assistant Jail Administrator is highly desirable.