CIVILIAN DETENTION OFFICER

The Civilian Detention Officer works as a member of the Black Hawk County Jail Services Division and is responsible for the custody, and control of inmates. The Civilian Detention Officer performs functions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks. Monitors conduct of inmates in jail units, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence. Inspects conditions of locks, window bars, doors at jail facility to ensure security and help prevent escapes. Records information, such as inmate identification, charges and incidences of inmate disturbance, and keeps complete and accurate logs of activity. Searches inmates and conducts shakedowns of cells for valuables or contraband, such as weapons or drugs. Conducts head counts to ensure that each inmate is present. Applies physical force in situations necessary to maintain the orderly operation of the jail. Other duties as assigned Supervision is received from Black Hawk County Jail Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captain or other designated supervisor. No functional and administrative supervision is exercised over support staff. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); Ability to acquire and maintain certification on the NCIC/CJIS criminal history information system is a condition of continued employment. Failure to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire date and successfully re-certify every two (2) years shall be grounds for termination. Knowledge: Relevant policies, procedures related to public safety and enforcement. Regulations related to inmate's rights. Knowledge of English language and the meaning and spelling of words. Knowledge of Computer software and applications including, but not limited to: Internet Browser Software, Microsoft Word, Excel and Jail Security Control System. Skills: Active listening, speaking and writing skills Mathematical skills to include adding/subtracting numbers and counting Conflict resolution skills Social perceptiveness skills Monitoring/Assessing skills Judgment and decision making skills Abilities: Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with co-workers and management. Concentrating on a task over a long period of time without being distracted. Recognizing when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. Observing information or human behavior and analyzing and evaluation to choose the best solution to solve problems. Inspecting facilities or inmates to identify any potential threats to security. Operating equipment including, but not limited to: hand held radios, video surveillance equipment and monitors, sidearm, shackles, hand-cuffs, fax/copy machine and computers. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Individuals must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation including a fingerprint search conducted of local, state and national fingerprints files and has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. Moral turpitude is defined as an act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a person owes to another person or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between person and person. It is conduct that is contrary to justice, honesty or good morals. The following nonexclusive list of acts has been held by the courts to involve moral turpitude: income tax evasion, perjury or its subornation, theft, indecent exposure, sex crimes, conspiracy to commit a crime, defrauding the government and illegal drug sales. Various factors, however, may cause an offense which is generally not regarded as constituting moral turpitude to be regarded as such. For example, a record of a number of convictions for simple assault would involve moral turpitude, whereas a singular act would not. Individuals must not: Be addicted to drugs or alcohol. Have a history of drug use; use of marijuana or any of its derivatives within the past six (6) months, and/or any prior use of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or any of its derivatives. By reason of conscience or belief opposed to the use of force, when necessary, to fulfill that person’s duties. The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. It is a high probability for exposure to violence and potential physical harm while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants who are extended a job offer will be examined by a licensed physician or surgeon and must meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a detention officer. Near and Far Vision is required as the Civilian Detention Officer is responsible for conducting searches and scanning inmate activity at a distance. In order to physically detain an inmates an individual must be able to: Coordinate the movement of your arms, legs and torso; Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects; Use short bursts of muscle force; Coordinate the movement of your arms, legs and torso; Exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects; Use short bursts of muscle force; Quick reaction/response time to triggers.