Job Title:      Detention Officer I                                                                   Job Code:     721

Division:      Operations                                                                              Effective Date:     04/15

Department: Detention                                                                                Last Revised:  

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of entry level law enforcement duties related to the security, safety, order, operation and maintenance of county jail facilities, including incarceration and detention of prisoners.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the close to general supervision of the Corrections Captain, Sergeant or Detention Administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.        Corrections: Receives ongoing on-the-job training; attends academy training sessions receiving instruction in the duties, responsibilities, liabilities and physical environment associated with the correction officer functions; assists with processing of inmate grievances.

2.        Supervises inmates in county jail in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures while assuming responsibility for all needs (physical, medical, etc.) of the prisoners during detention; issues medications as prescribed by physicians.

3.        Performs various tasks associated with inmate admissions; books prisoners; reviews offense status and classification (violent, non-violent, etc.) to determine appropriate level of security and confinement; performs releases and required by court order; conducts strip searches.

4.        Observes conduct and behavior of inmates to prevent disturbances and escapes; searches inmates and cells for contraband articles; patrols assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities, infractions of rules and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment of prisoners, and reports observations to supervisor; performs inmate supervision during recreation and meal periods.

5.        Inspects locks, grills, doors and gates for tampering; conducts cell “shake-downs” and inspections; employs various forms of discipline as needed to maintain order among prisoners, if necessary.

6.        Supervises prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prisons, work details, or other points, traveling by automobile or public transportation as required; locks prisoner(s) in cell after searching for weapons, valuables or drugs.

7.        Secures all valuables and/or belongings and follows standard procedures designated for the disposing or maintaining of the same; orders and serves meals to prisoners and provides or obtains medical aid if needed; administers medication as prescribed by doctor.

8.        Prepares arrest records including reports, bookings, releases, fingerprinting and mug shot photography (identifying the prisoner and charge against him/her); assists in the maintenance of various records and information reporting materials and data base.

9.        Supervises trustees or prisoners on general work details inside and outside of jail; performs general maintenance of jail facility and environs; repairs safety and security devices; cleans and sanitizes cells; maintains inmate recreation area and equipment.

10.     May participate in extradition transports; moves inmates to and from various interstate locations.

11.     Performs other related duties as assigned.

Detention Officer I, page 2

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.         Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school plus successful completion of Academy training leading to the acquisition of a Correctional Officer Certification;

AND

B. No experience necessary.

2.         Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Some knowledge of the fundamentals of proper search and seizure; federal, state and local laws and regulations related to jail activities; dispatch communication equipment; basic principles of psychology and sociology; elementary first aid techniques and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain working relationships with inmates, the public and other departments; restrain physically violent prisoners; react quickly to various situations under conditions of stress.

3.         Special Qualifications

Must have successfully completed the Corrections Academy and be certified as a Correctional Officer.

Must work on-call 24 hours.

Must receive 40 hours annual training to maintain certification.

Must pass a background investigation.

Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and undergo periodic State DMV license status verification.

             Must pass FEMA/NIMS and ICS courses as required for the position, within a time frame designated by administration

4.         Work Environment:

             Functions of the position generally performed in a controlled environment.  Occasional travel.  Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty.  Physical readiness and conditioning may be a condition of job retention.  Various levels of mental application required, i.e., memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving.  Continuous use of motor skills. Periodic exposure to the presence of blood borne or airborne pathogens.

Medical Technician                                                                               

GENERAL PURPOSE

As the medical technician, this position performs a variety of administrative and professional duties related to the planning, organizing and coordinating of the med pass program. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works closely with and under the supervision of the Detention Administrator and other detention center leaders.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.        Perform the functions of medication administration with the knowledge of required medication administration procedures.

2.        Understand the basis of universal precautions to avoid infection of detainees and self or contamination of equipment and supplies.

3.        Prepares special and recurring reports.

4.        Document and maintain an on-going and up-to-date medication list for each detainee.

5.        Administer, document and over-see all prescription ordering, refilling and storage.

6.        Administer and document regularly prescribed medications per physician orders.

7.        Order meds from the pharmacy when and as prescribed, at least seven days prior to running out of meds, if possible, and as requested by physician order to ensure detainees always have medications available.

8.        Immediately after administering a medication to a detainee, document in the detainee’s medical record those medications.  Date and initial the bubble pack after taking any medication from it.

9.        Observe and report reactions and any side-effects of medication administered to the detainees.

10.     Take and record vital signs prior to administration of medications which could affect or change vital signs as ordered by the Physician.

11.     Administer PRN medications, per physician order.

12.     Report any medication error to the physician immediately.

13.     Develop and review the detainee’s care plan.

14.     Ensure detainee privacy, respect and dignity.

15.     Detect, correct, and report unsafe conditions which may result in harm to a detainee.

16.     Assure physical comfort, safety, and mental well-being of detainees.

17.     Develop and implement daily requirements and tasks for the care and treatment of detainees.

18.     May be required to perform all functions of a detention officer or transport officer when needed for the operations of the facility.

19.     Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.         Education and Experience:

A. Med Tech certified and able to be Correctional Officer Certified;

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2.         Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to read and write English.  Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procurement manuals, etc.  Must have good communication skills and must be able to effectively communicate in English and understand and follow written and oral directions.  Must show good judgment in recognizing symptoms indicative of a detainee’s change in condition.  Be aware of medical limitations and do not attempt to exceed these limitations.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain working relationships with inmates, the public and other departments; restrain physically violent prisoners; react quickly to novel situations under conditions of stress.

3.         Special Qualifications: (Certificates, Licenses, etc.)

Must have successfully completed the Corrections Academy and be certified as a Correctional Officer within 12 months of hire.

Must have completed state-approved Medication Administration Training.

Must have First Aid certification.

Must work on-call 24 hours.

Must receive 40 hours annual training to maintain certification.

Must pass a background investigation.

Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and undergo periodic State DMV license status verification.

             Must pass FEMA/NIMS and ICS courses as required for the position, within a time frame designated by administration

4.         Work Environment:

             Functions of the position generally performed in a controlled environment.  Occasional travel.  Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty.  Physical readiness and conditioning may be a condition of job retention.  Various levels of mental application required, i.e. memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving.  Continuous use of motor skills. Periodic exposure to the presence of blood borne or airborne pathogens.