Courthouse Security Officer

The Courthouse Bailiff’s and Security Officer’s at the Smith County Courthouse is a Certified Peace Officer in good standing.  Having a Licensed or Temporary Licensed Detention Officer certification is preferred.   At times, this position is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. 

The Bailiff and Security Officers are required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while being mindful of security operations. This position requires assignment to three different roles. The Courthouse Security Officer oversees security for Judges, Jury, and Court Officers.  When assigned, the Courthouse Security Officer transports inmates to the Smith County Jail and Courthouse as needed.  When assigned to security, the Security Officers operate a security checkpoint at the Smith County Courthouse. 

Due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work, the Courthouse Security Officer must be willing and available to work additional hours beyond assigned shifts, sometimes with little or no notice.

Pre-Employment Requirements: These minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) must be met in order to qualify for licensure as a Peace Officer and Detention Officer in Texas.

1. Citizen of the United States of America.
2. Earned a High School diploma or a G.E.D.
3. Have never been convicted, pled guilty, nor have been on a court-ordered community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
4. During the last 10 years, have not been convicted, pled guilty, been on community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor in this state, other state or while serving in the military.
5. Have never had a military court martial that resulted in a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
6. Must possess a valid Texas Driver License at the time of hiring.

Background Investigation: All candidates for full-time employment with the Sheriff’s Office undergo a comprehensive background investigation prior to being made a final offer. The investigation may include but is not limited to a records check, credit review, verification of credentials and interviews with personal and professional references.
Required Testing: Candidates must take and pass a standard aptitude test and polygraph. 
Psychological Evaluation: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a psychologist will interview and test the candidate using various cognitive assessments. The psychologist will summarize the clinical impressions and make recommendations regarding the candidate’s overall psychological makeup and compatibility with the position.
Medical/Physical Screening: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a physical and drug screening exam is conducted by an employer-approved physician. A pre-employment drug screening exam is in accordance with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office intent and commitment to provide a drug-free workplace.Supervisory Responsibilities
The Courthouse Security Officer is not responsible for the supervision of employees.
Essential Responsibilities

• Reviewing daily court and appointment listings and developing the daily transport schedule in conjunction with the Sergeant of Transport;
• Communicating with Smith County and District Court Clerk’s, the District Attorney’s Office, as related to schedule and transportation issues; 
• Ensuring building security by checking building daily (internally and externally), operating x-ray equipment and hand-held metal detection devices, monitoring security cameras, and other tasks related to keeping weapons or destructive devices from entering the facility;
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with inmates; Restraining unruly inmates using force and restraining devices; remaining alert at all times, and prepared to protect self and others from harm;
• Responding to emergencies, including medical emergencies; 
• Documenting incidents, movement, rounds and inmate discipline; 
• Performing person, property, and facility searches; interacting with the public during entry and exit;
• Occasionally supporting Smith County Jail positions when needed; 
• Complying with all policies and procedures of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office;  
• Performing additional duties as assigned;
• Demonstrates a good working knowledge of federal and state laws, county ordinances.
• Interacts with the public during entry and exit from the Smith County Courthouse, Annex, Cotton Belt, Adult Probation, and Juvenile.
• Fosters positive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies.

Other Responsibilities
Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Must be able to learn existing software programs such as Microsoft Office and Odyssey.
• Must be able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Formal education in human services or criminal justice desired.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a Smith County Jailer, OR experience in criminal justice or related field, or any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience of required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities.

Licenses and Certifications

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer in good standing required.
• Permanent Jailer license in good standing preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Visual Capabilities

• Ability to detect abnormal behavior and extraordinary activities when observing the actions of an inmate or group of inmates. 
• Ability to prepare a written description of personal property and accurately observe inmates. Ability to detect smoke from cigarettes, electrical fires, etc. 
• Must have sufficient vision without glasses to defend self and others, and perform mandatory life safety functions. 
• Ability to properly identify colors utilized in descriptions. 
• Dual vision is required. 
• Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with uncorrected vision of 20/200 or better.

Auditory Capabilities

• Ability to hear alarms. 
• Ability to hear and understand information received over the telephone, handheld radio and intercom. 
• Ability to distinguish between normal sounds and sounds indicating impending, improper or unacceptable behavior such as altercations, fights, assaults, etc. 
• Hearing must be within normal range as defined by nationally recognized audiometric standards, or that surpasses the normal range.

Olfactory Capabilities 

• Ability to detect the presence of smoke from cigarettes, electrical fires, etc. 
• Ability to detect the presence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.

Physical Capabilities

• Physical requirements include lifting, carrying, struggling and pulling inmates or equipment weighing approximately 150-200 pounds occasionally. 
• Ability to lift weights up to 40 pounds when lifting and positioning Scott Air Pack on back. 
• Ability to climb stairs when moving within cellblocks.
• Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods of time when observing and monitoring inmates, security screening stations, and court operations.
• Ability to bend, stoop and kneel when checking under tables, beds and mattresses during cell searches.
• Finger dexterity, and hand and arm steadiness when adjusting knobs and switches, and operating computer keyboard.
• Eye, hand and arm coordination when fingerprinting individuals. 
• May be required to physically restrain inmates in order to maintain discipline among other inmates when necessary.
• Must use hands or feet in self-defense, physically place inmates in or remove inmates from cells.
• Ability to use restraint devices (waist chains, leg irons, handcuffs, etc.) to control inmates, run after fleeing prisoners, drag immobile persons, grip persons tightly with hand to prevent their escape, crawl on hands and knees to avoid smoke.

Work Environment

• Working conditions are at times inside a jail environment with occasional exposure to hostile of violent people, bodily injury, contagious diseases, high noise areas and unfavorable fumes and odors.

Notes

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonable accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

All employment with Smith County shall be considered “at will” employment. No contract of employment shall exist between any individual and Smith County for any duration, either specified or unspecified.

I have reviewed this job description and find it to be an accurate description of the position.

Salary : $57,337 - $63,837