Detention Officer

JOB SUMMARY
This position typically provides security and safety within the Detention Center; ensures the enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; and works under stressful, high-risk conditions.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Under close supervision, ensures the security and safety within the Detention Center by inspecting locks, window bars, grills, doors and gates for tampering.
• Observes conduct and behavior of inmates, searches cells for contraband articles and guards and directs inmates during work assignments.
• Patrols assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities, infraction of rules and unsatisfactory attitude or adjustment of prisoners and reports observations to superior.
• Employs weapons or force to maintain discipline and escorts inmates to and from visiting room, medical office, religious services and court house building.
• Performs other duties including guarding entrance of jail, screening visitors and preparing incident reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• One (1) year of general work experience;

• S.C. Criminal Justice Academy LE-2 certification within one (1) year of employment and be willing to perform the duties of a certified officer after certification is received;
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire;
• Initial testing consists of extensive background check, Nelson Denny and then a polygraph test;
• Upon successful completion of those tests, selected candidates will then proceed to the physical agility testing with an interview to follow;
• Post offer drug testing, psychological exam, pre-placement physical and a functional evaluation capacity test will be required;
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record;
• Departmental testing will be administered during interview.
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• This position is considered emergency essential and will be required to report to work during any declared emergency situation.?

• Skill in using small office equipment, computers and highly technical computer applications.
• Ability to use or repair medium equipment and machinery.
• Ability to manage inventory and property.

This position requires the employee to sit, walk, climb and stand; use hands to handle, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; kneel and bend at the waist; use hands and fingers to handle objects such as weapons, handcuffs, etc.; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to seventy-five (75) pounds and move one hundred fifty (150) pounds. The employee must have the ability to restrain prisoners. The employee may be required to run in order to apprehend a person. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Twelve (12) hour work schedule on assigned shift. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.