Detention Housing Operator

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This classification is distinguished by a fast-paced working environment requiring effective communication, multitasking, attention to detail, and organization skills to ensure accurate and effective maintenance of Detention Center records and communications. The difference between the Detention Center Control Room Operator and Detention Housing Operator is that the Detention Center Control Room Operator performs work inside the jail and reports to the Dispatch Supervisor and the Detention Housing Operator performs work outside the jail and reports to Detention Supervisor.

The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.

1. Answer incoming phone calls and provide adequate or necessary information to members of law enforcement, the court system, attorneys, and the public. Route phone calls to appropriate resource.
2. Computer-based logging of all Detention Center activity to include deputies and detainees.
3. Creating, updating, and maintaining detainee files and computer-based profiles. This will include verbal communication with law enforcement, members of the criminal justice system, and detainees.
4. Initiating communication and sharing documents with the Courts, District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement personnel and others. This will include verbal, email, and faxed based communication to ensure a detainee’s due process rights are maintained and remain in custody or are released as ordered.
5. Monitoring inmates via video surveillance system for criminal activity, violent, or self-destructive behavior. Issues are immediately reported to sworn staff to resolve.
6. Verbally communicate with detainees through an intercom system to address issues, questions, or problems. Address or report issues appropriately.
7. Verbally solicit required and necessary information from arrestees during the intake or booking process. Input the obtained information into a computer-based program.
8. Accurately inventory and record arrestee personal property to include cash money.
9. Prepare, update, and maintain inmate files and records.
10. Verbally communicate with detainees upon release to ensure required legal information is shared or served upon the inmate. Complete computer and paper files and records are accurately maintained and closed upon release.
11. Monitor door control panel and regulate access to interior doors to sworn staff, non-sworn staff, and detainees.
12. Complete reports and testify as a witness to criminal activity occurring within the detention center.
13. State Registration of criminal offenders.
14. Identify and report workplace safety issues.
15. Identify and report facility maintenance needs.
16. Related clerical or administrative duties as needed or assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic office/detention center procedures.
• Operations, policies, and procedures of the department.
• Terms and acronyms commonly used in the assigned function.
• Laws, rules and regulations, computer software used by the department.
• Techniques for communicating with people.
• Record keeping and filing procedures.
• Use of reference material.

Ability to:

• Perform multiple functions in periods of intense activity.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures in normal and stressful situations.
• Read, comprehend and apply a variety of laws, regulations, training materials, operating procedures and policy and procedure manuals.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Compile data and maintain records.
• Evaluate situations and make sound judgments.
• Remain calm in stressful situations.
• Follow instructions in periods of intense activity.
• Use a variety of computer programs related to detention center activities.
• Perform data entry with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the job effectively.
• Monitor equipment for long periods of time and identify potential problems.
• Identify alarms and respond to voice transmissions appropriately.
• Quickly make appropriate decisions in response to emergencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Special Requirements:

• Must submit and pass a fingerprint-based background check in accordance with the CJIS FBI Security Police and the State of Nevada Administrative Policies.
• Must pass a background investigation, including submitting a personal history statement and pass a Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) examination.
• Must be able to work in a confined space.
• Must be able to deal directly with the public in a detention center environment and tolerate exposure to noise, obscenity, and hostility.
• Must be willing to work shift work.
• Possession of a valid and current Nevada driver’s license.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to gain the required knowledge and ability is:

• One (1) year of experience performing routine administrative office clerical duties, preferably in law enforcement.

Humboldt County is an Equal Employment Opportunity provider in the services it offers.