Detention Officer

Overview

Detention Officer position with the Pottawattamie County Jail. Requires candidates who are 18 years of age or older to join a team focused on public service, safety, and growth. This full-time role involves maintaining safety and security within the jail and contributing to inmate care. The position operates on a 12-hour shift schedule.

Pottawattamie County offers employees a comprehensive benefit plan at a reasonable cost, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and other voluntary benefits.

• Family plan at $233.82 per month for the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program
• $1,500 family deductible
• 100% employer-paid long-term disability coverage
• Premium-free single dental coverage
• Generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; IPERS benefits are not tied to stock market performance

View the full Pottawattamie County Benefits Guide here.

Supervise and control inmate behavior in the correction facility through direct contact, surveillance devices, patrolling, and inspections of persons and areas. Direct inmates while they are moving through the facility, monitor actions, and approve entry or exit. Search inmates, their persons, clothing, living areas, and other facility areas for weapons or contraband. Enforce procedures for secure areas to maintain general security.

Transport inmates safely and securely outside the facility. Maintain fire safety, respond to emergencies, and review procedures for fire, escape, disaster, or riot. Carry a handgun while guarding inmates outside the facility and be responsible for cleaning and inspecting the handgun. Record, admit, and release inmates per established procedures. Provide medical support services including administering medication, supervising care, investigating injuries, determining emergency treatment needs, and applying first aid as needed.

Enforce inmate procedures and rules regarding mail, telephone use, access to courts, and visitation. Review, investigate, and enforce inmate discipline. Provide interpersonal and human relations skills to ensure inmate health and welfare. Serve food and supervise cleanup. Establish and maintain inmate records, accounts, and files, including inventorying and securing inmate property. Provide court-related records and legal testimony as requested. Conduct and participate in employee orientation, training, and communications.

Operate and maintain equipment related to corrections operations (e.g., corrections vehicle, photographic camera, cell doors, fire equipment, computer). Maintain facility upkeep and report mechanical failures. Periodically count inmates, determine location, and record location lists. Classify inmates, assign to housing areas, and review arrest records. Investigate, record, and report inmate grievances and explain procedures to inmates. Supervise and arrange inmate activities such as counseling, social services, recreation, religious services, and library use.

Direct and control inmate work programs. Conduct inmate support activities and communicate daily schedules. Direct and control inmate hygiene, laundry, housekeeping, and sanitation. Provide administrative support to prepare reports, file documents, and answer telephones.

Knowledge of and experience using a standard keyboard for typing or data entry. Knowledge of basic mathematics and the ability to post simple accounts according to established procedures. Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions. Ability to retain composure when dealing with violent or hostile inmates. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, complete standardized report forms, and compose brief descriptive narratives.

Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the general public, inmates, government officials, law enforcement agencies, and fellow employees.

Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the high school GED test. Must possess a valid drivers license at the time of hire. Must be certified as mandated by the Sheriffs Department within twelve months of the date of hire.

Detention Officers are required to perform physical activities to support the control and supervision of inmates, including but not limited to:

• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds
• Subdue combative inmates
• Operate restraint devices
• Walk and stand continuously
• Mop and sweep floors

During these duties, incumbents may talk, hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects or controls. Specific vision abilities include vision correctable to 20/30, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Detention Officers may experience physical and mental stress.

Apply Online

Department:
Jail

Salary: $26.25 - $35.96/hour

Job Type: Full-time

Location:

Sheriffs Office, 1400 Big Lake Road, Council Bluffs

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