Jail Officer

General Definition of Work

Performs protective service work processing inmates, maintaining correctional facility security on a continual basis, transporting inmates to court, medical, work and related facilities as appropriate, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the close supervision of the assigned supervisor.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Maintains order and discipline of inmates; performs security checks to ensure staff and inmates are safe and secure.

Oversees cell housing unit; ensures inmates are following rules and regulations.

Conducts facility searches, searches of inmates, and housing units; performs inmate cell checks for drugs and other unauthorized paraphernalia.

Conducts searches of inmates suspected of having contraband; maintains custody of contraband items and initiates the necessary documentation for possible legal action.

Provides custody and control of inmates in all custody levels while escorting to and from courts, dental or medical appointments, visitation, and transportation to other correctional facilities, and in emergency medical transports and

hospital duty including the handling of unusual, intoxicated or assaultive inmates.

Prepares, maintains and disburses legal documents such as logs, reports, request forms; conducts and logs routine housing needs, safety and security.

Enforces policies, procedures, rules and regulations as set forth in the Inmate Handbook in a firm, but fair manner; resolves conflicts by utilizing problem solving skills and provides guidance for the possible solution of problems.

Responds to emergency calls and situations; reports the status of the situation.

Maintains and controls keys; monitors control panels and radios in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Provides service in various areas of the facility such as cell units, housekeeping, kitchen, lobby, transportation, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Some knowledge of the security, rules, regulations, and procedures of the institution; some knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly; ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately; ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; ability to prepare records and reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates, law enforcement and legal representatives, and the general public.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and repetitive motions and occasionally requires sitting and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and / or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and / or small parts, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Obtain Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) Jail Officer certification within one year.

Must meet and maintain minimum qualifications for the position established by the Authority and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.