Performs protective service work processing inmates, maintaining Detention Center security, transporting inmates to court, medical and related facilities.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
Employees in this class perform inmate detention, care, security, and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the Detention Center, transporting inmates, and related care and record keeping requirements. Employees must exercise independent initiative and judgment in making decision regarding inmates in their custody, with suicidal, violent, or mentally unstable tendencies, and in dealing with attorneys, families, and other. Work involves exercising tact, firmness, and decisiveness in handling routine and emergency situations. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Senior Detention Officer and evaluated through observation, review of reports, periodic discussions concerning how particular incidents were handled and adherence to Detention Center policies and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks

• Ensures the safety and security of inmates within the Detention Center; patrols areas periodically to ensure security of inmates and maintain order; conducts head counts, resolves conflicts performs cell searches and removes dangerous and unruly inmates as necessary.
• Receives and processes inmates into custody of the Detention Center; searches inmates; takes charge of personal property; provides opportunities for inmates to call attorney or relatives; advises inmates on Detention Center rules and regulations.
• Operates electronic door system and control panel; maintains key and radio control.
• Supervises inmates during meals, personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to Detention Center rules, regulations and procedures.
• Escorts and transports inmates to court and other required appointments.
• Delivers food to inmates, removes trays and food carts.
• Distributes medication to inmates as prescribed or directed; contacts nurse in medical emergencies.
• Records visits; ensures the safety and security of visitors; inspects items brought into the Detention Center; checks incoming and outgoing mail.
• Receives, receipts and accounts for funds deposited into inmate accounts.
• Prepares and maintains logs, reports and records; organizes files; answers telephone; contacts other agencies; responds to inquiries.
• Performs general maintenance and cleaning of the Detention Center; ensures Detention Center equipment is functioning properly; reports maintenance issues.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the Detention Center.
• Ability to enforce Detention Center rules firmly and fairly.
• Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates.
• Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems.
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately.
• Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility.
• Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to operate personal computer and appropriate software packages.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force.
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing and tasting or smelling.
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to blood-borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
• Work is generally in a very loud noise location (e.g. jack hammer work, garbage recycle plant).

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from high school; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license upon hire.
Obtain N.C. Correction Officer Certification within one year of employment.
Obtain OC Spray Certification within one year of employment.
Obtain Taser Certification within one year of employment.