Job Description
Position Summary
Works under direct the supervision of an assigned supervisor and is responsible for the security and maintenance of the Shelby County Jail operations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Pay Grade: 45H
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or possess a GED; AND
- Must be 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Must be of high moral character.
- Discharged under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces.
- Will be screened for misdemeanor/felony record. (Must not have been convicted of, plead guilty to, or entered a plea of no contest to any felony charge or any violation of federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances).
- Attend and successfully complete a state of Tennessee Correctional Association (T.C.A.) approved basic corrections training academy.
- PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervises the movement of inmates and maintains control in all assigned areas. Adjusts to assignments dictated by changing workload.
- Performs security checks and routine shakedown searches on each shift to ensure security.
- Inspects each inmate to verify the armband, identity, location, and physical condition to the count sheet or other necessary reports.
- Enters and accesses information in the computer. Prints rosters and reports that require a clear written description of an event.
- Assists in the admittance and release of prisoners.
- Informs inmates of pod rules and the inmates’ responsibilities. Walks, listens, converses, mingles, and interacts with inmates to identify or prevent problems.
- Maintains an awareness of inmates at all times, checks physical and mental conditions, and takes notice of any abnormal circumstances.
- Determines which methods and tactics are appropriate for corrections inmate behavior by applying progressive discipline consistently.
- Follows appropriate procedures under extraordinary circumstances and remains calm to maintain the security of the facility and the safety of all personnel.
- Resists inmate attempts to manipulate, distract, or interfere with pod operations.
- Resolves minor problems/conflicts before they escalate into major issues.
- Confiscates items, removes inmate from the pod, or uses OC Pepper Spray if necessary.
- Responds accordingly to emergencies, i.e., activates PAT device, evacuates inmates to appropriate areas, extinguishes small fires, etc.
- Exchanges relevant information with relief co-workers and communicates information to superiors.
- Attends and successfully completes annual in-service training.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
KSAs
- Skilled in verbal and written communication with the ability to pay attention to details, listen, and comprehend what is being said.
- Ability to adjust to the psychological impact of working in a prison environment under pressure.
- Ability to make decisions, render judgments, and take action according to rules.
- Knowledge of Shelby County Jail policies and procedures.
- Ability to act in a responsible, dependable manner and adhere to organizational policies, rules, and behaviors of those in security.
- Knowledge of the civil and constitutional rights of inmates.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
- Ability to have strong interpersonal skills.
Special Requirements
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Must be available for shift, holiday, and weekend work as required.
- Must pass a physical agility test upon satisfying initial minimum qualifications.
- After receiving a contingent offer of employment, must be able to pass a psychological and medical evaluation, and be subject to testing for substance abuse.
- Must possess a valid Tennessee I.D.
- Must be able to obtain CPR Certification and perform as needed.
- Must pass a physical examination.
Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.