General Nature of Work

Under general supervision by the shift supervisor, a person in this position ensures security and protects property of the facility, completes the admission process of inmates, prevents escapes, controls behavior of inmates, and protects inmates from each other. The detention officer must be prompt in dispensing medication and be able to take personal property of inmates. The detention officer must also adhere to definite procedures established by the department to ensure that inmate’s constitutional rights are observed. A person in this position does not supervise other employees.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Admission:

• Completes the admission forms of inmates being booked into the Adult Detention Center.
• Searches incoming inmates and records personal property taken from the inmate.
• Fingerprints and photographs the inmates to establish identification.
• Determines if medical care of the inmate is necessary.
• Explains to inmates the rules and regulations of the facility and prepares inmates for population.

Personal Care:

• Dispenses medication prescribed for inmates at the proper time.
• Distributes meals to inmates at mealtime.
• Calms or takes actions to calm emotionally upset persons.
• Permits and monitors inmate showers.
• Observes inmates’ behavior to ensure an orderly and safe environment.
• Administers first aid and CPR to inmates or staff when necessary and when the security of the facility is not jeopardized.
• Maintains a fair and professional attitude with inmates and staff from various social backgrounds.

Security:

• Checks cell doors and internal conditions at regular and irregular intervals to assure security, cell cleanliness, and inmate safety.
• Conducts random searches of inmates and assigned secure areas.
• Counts number of inmates at regular and irregular intervals to assure that all inmates are accounted for.
• Views security monitors continuously to assure security and order in the cells.
• Responds to emergency situations in the facility as required.
• Operates security equipment such as restraining devices, chemical agents, two-way radios, and locking devices.

Administration:

• Enforces inmate rules and regulations.
• Maintains records of daily activities in assigned areas, inmate movements through the facility, disciplinary action recommended or imposed on inmates, and professional and family visitation.
• Accepts grievances made by inmates.
• Prepares inmates for transportation to court on court days.
• Reviews documents such as warrants, transfer papers, and teletype messages regarding inmates.
• Reports all incidents or problems to the Shift Supervisor.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Monitors behavior of inmates only. Does not supervise any personnel.

Additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the departmental jail procedures and practices, and knowledge of the legal basis for the procedures.
• Knowledge of the booking procedures and basic security practices.
• Skill in recording accurate information of booking forms, etc.
• Skill in taking and recording distinguishable fingerprints and photographs.
• Skill in remaining calm in emotional situations when possibly receiving personal verbal abuse, and in calming inmates and visitors.
• Ability to physically restrain or summons person who can restrain violent inmates.
• Ability to use sound judgment and to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other staff members, officials of other criminal justice agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain a fair and professional attitude with inmates from various social backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate in English effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, including a computer keyboard, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
• Must have use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other staff members and the general public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.
• Must be physically capable of using security equipment (such as handcuffs, two-way radios, and locking devices) and life safety equipment (such as fire extinguishers and emergency air packs).
• Physical ability to administer CPR.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Satisfy all employment requirements of the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office.
• The following standards express the minimum background of training and experience desirable as evidence of an applicant’s ability to qualify for positions in this class. Other training or experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may qualify the applicant for the position.
• High School Education or equivalent
• Necessary Special Requirements:
  • A valid Georgia vehicle operator’s license.
  • Must complete Basic Jail Certification Course and additional ADC training requirements when scheduled.

ADA Requirements: Individuals applying for the posted position must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Work Environment: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, wetness, fumes, hazardous materials, heights, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, disease, or rude/irate customers.