Detention Officer

Tyler, TX
Smith County Sheriff Texas

Salary: $46,898.00 – $60,185.00 Annually.

Position Summary:

The Detention Officer at the Smith County Jail is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. The Detention Officer is required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while being mindful of security operations.

The facility is operated 24 hours a day, therefore, shift assignments are scheduled as 12-hour shifts with alternating weekends off. Due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work, the Detention Officer must be willing and available to work additional hours beyond assigned shifts, sometimes with little or no notice.

Essential Functions:

  • Performs security rounds during scheduled and unscheduled times.
  • Creates and maintains a cellblock atmosphere conducive to respect of others.
  • Enforces disciplinary sanctions.
  • Maintains appropriate boundaries with inmates.
  • Initiates and monitors inmate movement.
  • Restrains unruly inmates using force and restraining devices.
  • Responds to emergencies, including medical emergencies.
  • Dispenses medications as required.
  • Documents incidents, movement, rounds and inmate discipline.
  • Performs person, property and facility searches.
  • Complies with all policies and procedures of the Smith County Jail.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to learn existing software programs such as AbleTerm and Odyssey.
  • Must be able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
  • High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
  • Formal education in human services or criminal justice desired.
  • One year or less experience. Experience in criminal justice or related field, or any combination of education and experience that has been achieved, and is equivalent to the stated education and experience of required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities.
  • Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Jailer license before completion of one year of employment, or termination will occur.