Detention Officer

Are you ready for a career that combines public service, teamwork, and personal growth? 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. 

This position is full-time, working 12-hour shifts. 

HIRING PROCESS: After an application has been submitted and reviewed, information will be sent out to the email used on your application, detailing next steps, if chosen to progress in the process. The communication will include details about completing a Detention Officer Pre-Employment Assessment and Virtual Interview (HRAvatar). Please watch your email carefully during this time! If applicants consent to receive text messages during the application process, texts messages may be sent out as well.  Pottawattamie County partners with HRAvatar to provide the pre-employment assessment and virtual interview, allowing the entire assessment and initial interview to take place virtually.  No special plugins or capabilities are needed. Simply a computer or mobile device with a camera will do! The overall score weighs each of the factors based on research and analysis from the U.S. Government's Occupational Information Network (O*Net).

• We offer a family plan at $233.28 per month cost to the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program
• $1,500 family deductible
• 100% employer paid long-term disability coverage
• premium free single dental coverage
• generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; Unlike benefits from other retirement plans, IPERS benefits aren’t tied to the performance of the stock market. With IPERS, you don’t need to make complicated investment decisions for your retirement dreams to become a reality.

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.

Knowledge of and experience in using a standard keyboard for typing or data entry.

Knowledge of the basic principles of mathematics and the ability to post simple accounts according to established procedures.

Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.

Ability to retain composure when dealing with violent or hostile inmates.

Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the general public, inmates, government officials, law enforcement agencies and fellow employees.

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.

Sheriff's Office applicants are encouraged to visit the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office page to read about minimum qualifications for employment, before submitting an application. Detention Officers are required to perform physical activities to support the control and supervision of inmates, including but not limited to the following:

• ability to lift up to 100 pounds
• subdue combative inmates
• operate restraint devices
• walk and stand continuously
• mop and sweep floors

Salary : $26 - $33