Detention Officer

Council Bluffs, IA
Pottawattamie County

Salary: $26.25 – $33.25/hour

Position Summary:

The Pottawattamie County Jail is seeking dedicated, resilient, and caring individuals who are 18 years of age and older, to become part of our team as a Detention Officer. At the Pottawattamie County Jail, we believe in fostering a dynamic work environment that supports growth and development. As a Detention Officer, you’ll play a key role in maintaining safety and security within the Jail, while also contributing to the care of inmates.

Essential Functions:

  • Supervise and control inmate behavior in the correction facility through the use of direct contact, surveillance devices, patrolling and inspections of persons and areas.
  • Direct inmates while they are moving through the facility, monitoring actions and approving entry or exit.
  • Search inmates’ persons, clothing, living areas and other facility areas for weapons or contraband.
  • Enforce procedures for secure areas to maintain general security of the correction facility.
  • Transport inmates safely and securely while outside the facility.
  • Maintain fire safety, respond to emergency situations and review emergency procedures to be initiated in case of fire, escape, disaster or riot.
  • Carry a handgun while guarding inmates outside the correction facility and be responsible for cleaning and inspecting a handgun.
  • Follow established procedures to record, admit and release inmates into and from the correction facility.
  • Perform medical support services including administering medication, and supervising inmates during such care, investigating inmate injuries and determining necessity of emergency medical treatment, and applying first aid as needed.
  • Enforce inmate procedures and rules concerning such areas as mail, telephone, access to courts and visitation.
  • Review, investigate and enforce inmate discipline.
  • Provide interpersonal and human relations skills to ensure health and welfare of inmates.
  • Serve food and supervise cleanup as needed.
  • Establish, maintain and update inmate records, accounts and files, including inventorying and securing inmate personal property.
  • Provide court-related records and legal testimony as requested.
  • Conduct and participate in employee orientation, training and communications.
  • Operate and maintain equipment, tools and devices related to corrections operations (i.e. corrections vehicle, photographic camera, cell doors, fire equipment, computer).
  • Maintain facility upkeep and maintenance and report mechanical failures.
  • Periodically count inmates, determine their location and record inmate location lists.
  • Classify inmates; assign to housing areas, 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 program.
  • Conduct inmate support activities and notify inmates concerning daily schedule.
  • Direct and control inmate hygiene, laundry, housekeeping and sanitation.
  • Provide administrative support to prepare reports, file documents and answer telephones.

Requirements:

  • Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or possess an equivalency certificate (GED).
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
  • Must be certified as mandated by the Sheriff’s Office within twelve months of the date of hire.