Detention Center Corporal

JOB

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs difficult correctional and detention work as a lead worker in the County detention center; supervises Detention Center Annex on assigned shift.

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 is distinguished from the Detention Officer class by responsibilities for serving as lead worker on a shift requiring greater independence and judgement and for serving in the absence of the supervisor. Employees normally serve as booking officers performing intake and release, make pod assignments, supervise the Annex on the shift, and train new staff. Employees must exercise independent initiative and judgement in making decision regarding inmates and 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. Employees are subject to hazards in law enforcement work including working inside a jail environment and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazards such as cleaning chemicals, close quarters, and narrow passages. Work is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed for adherence to regulations and procedures, accuracy of paperwork, adherence to schedules, and effective interpersonal skills and decision-making in dealing with inmates and coworkers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS

Serves as lead worker on a shift of detention officers; provides technical guidance and training; assigns and monitors work; makes decisions in the absence of higher level authority.

Makes assignments of inmates to housing units; serves as booking officer performing inmate intake and release; downloads records of officer rounds; makes decisions regarding inmate privileges and unusual requests.

Processes incoming inmates, completes necessary paperwork, searches prisoners, obtains and secures inmates’ personal property, assigns and escorts inmates to proper holding facilities, advises inmates of jail rules and regulations.

Makes more advanced decisions regarding disciplinary problems, medical problems, etc.

Arranges contacts by visits or telephone calls between inmates and relatives, court officials, attorneys; escorts inmates to visiting rooms.

Controls electronic doors, cell blocks, cell block telephones, and other devices from control booth to insure proper safety and security of jail occupants.

Answers telephone and radio, inspects incoming and outgoing mail.

Performs or oversees distribution of personal hygiene items, mail, meals, linens, clothing, and other items to inmates; checks on intoxicated and other prisoners in special medical or mental conditions.

Prepares inmates for court.

Supervises inmates in the cleaning of cells, kitchens, office areas, clothes, and linens.

Maintains accurate and detailed digital and hard copy records on work and inmate activities.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

Performs related work as required.

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to inmate sentencing, pre-trial conditions and release.

Considerable knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline.

Considerable knowledge of computerized and hard copy records and reports and methods for completing them.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.

Ability to provide leadership, performance coaching, and training to other detention officers and to act in the absence of the shift supervisor.

Ability to exercise sound judgement in routine and emergency situations.

Ability to work in a hazardous and confining environment.

Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates, law enforcement personnel, and the general public.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with the supervisors, other employees, law enforcement and court personnel, and the general public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess visual acuity to prepare records and reports; observe people and things for security purposes, and operate electronic control panels and view computer screens.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from High School supplemented by Detention Certification Training and considerable experience in correctional or detention work.

Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Compliance with minimum standards for Training and Certification as set by the State of North Carolina for Detention Personnel.