Detention Officer - Government Jobs : Job Details

Job Posting: Detention Officer

Employer: Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County

Location: Athens, GA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2026-5110

Department: Sheriff's Office

Division: Jail

Opening Date: 07/04/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

$3,000 HIRING INCENTIVE

A $3,000, one time hiring incentive, to be paid in $1,000 increments (not added to base salary). Eligible newly hired Detention Officers will receive an incremental hiring incentive upon satisfactory job performance, after completion of 3 months of service; after completion of 6 months of service; and finally after completion of 12 months of employment for a total of $3,000. Detention Officers that successfully complete POST Certification (Basic Law Enforcement Certification) within 18 months of hire and are promoted to Deputy Sheriff will receive an additional $3,000 hiring incentive distributed over the one-year period following promotion for a total of $6,000. Continuation of this Recruitment/Hiring Incentive Program is subject to available funding and approval by the Manager.

Important Information Needed for Application: Right Click HERE to view Important Application Instructions and Information. Please be sure to include a minimum of three (3) references in reference section- otherwise your application will be considered incomplete.

Reports To: Shift Supervisor or Sergeant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Personnel System; Requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.

Pay Grade: Public Safety Step Plan

Safety Sensitive: Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.

Purpose of Job: The purpose of this position is to ensure security and protection of property of the jail facility, complete the admission process of inmates, prevent escapes, control behavior of inmates, protect inmates from each other, and provide for the wellbeing of inmates. The incumbent must be diligent in maintaining an inmate count, overseeing the dispensing of medication, and be able to take personal property of inmates. The incumbent must also adhere to definite standard operating procedures established by the Office to ensure that the inmates' constitutional rights are observed. It is a demanding position that requires a heightened state of readiness at all times. A person in this position does not supervise other employees.

Job Related Requirements:

Work Schedule: Twelve (12) hour shifts from 7:45-7:45 will be assigned permanently to days or nights, you must be available for any shift at any time. Weekends and holidays are included and overtime is required from time to time. May be required to work on religious holidays. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Must work cooperatively with others. When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Must be a United States Citizen. Must be at least 18 years of age. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must complete GCIC Security and Awareness training within 10 days of hire. Must complete the core module requirements of the jail training program within 2 months of assignment. Must obtain certification in First Aid and CPR within 3 months of hire. Must complete Basic Jail Certification Course within 6 months of hire. Previous law enforcement or corrections experience preferred.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

When assigned to the Jail Section:

Admission: Completes the admission forms of inmates being booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail. Searches incoming inmates to detect concealed weapons and contraband; and records personal property taken from the inmate. Fingerprints and photographs the inmates to establish identification. Determines if medical care of the inmate is necessary. Explains to inmates the rules and regulations of the facility and prepares inmates for population.

Personal Care: Works closely with the jail medical staff for dispensing medications prescribed for inmates at the proper time. Distributes meals to inmates at mealtime. Takes actions to calm emotionally upset persons. Permits and monitors inmate showers. Observes inmates behavior to ensure an orderly and safe environment. Administers First Aid and CPR to inmates or staff when necessary and when the security of the facility is not jeopardized. Maintains a fair and professional attitude with inmates and staff from various social backgrounds.

Security: Maintains order over inmates. Takes appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, the public, and other law enforcement and detention personnel. Responds to emergency situations in the facility as required to include evacuating inmates mediating conflicts between inmates, etc. Checks cell doors and internal conditions at regular and irregular intervals to assure security, cell cleanliness, and inmate safety. Conducts random searches of inmates and assigned secure areas. Counts number of inmates at regular and irregular intervals to assure that all inmates are accounted for. View security monitors continuously to assure security and order in the cells. Operates security electronic systems, intercom, equipment such as restraining devices, chemical agents, two way radios, and locking devices. Operates safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Supervises inmate workers performing work assignments. Supervises a housing environment of up to 72 inmates through communication and management of privileges according to behavior in a just and fair manner, issuing directives and consequences with consistency. Enforces inmate rules and regulations by issuing directives and consequences with effective communication and consistency. Maintains records of daily activities in assigned areas, inmate movements through the facility, disciplinary actions recommended or imposed on inmates, and professional and family visitation. Accepts grievances made by inmates. Escorts inmates to and from cells for court appearances, medical treatment, visitation, religious services, conferences, release and other activities. Reviews documents such as warrants, transfer papers, and teletype messages regarding inmates. Maintains complete records and assures that current information on inmates is entered into the records management system. Completes incident reports and informs supervisors of all incidents or problems. Inspects incoming mail and packages for contraband and other non-permitted items; delivers packages, mail and commissary items to detainees. Screens visitors coming into the facility and operates metal inmates to ensure contraband is not introduced into the facility. Releases inmates on bond, including preparing the bond, collecting the collateral and fees for the bond and properly accounting for all funds collected. Operates G.C.I.C./N.C.I.C. computer and local criminal justice computer network, and jail management system (JMS) computer operations. Performs other related duties as required.

Supplemental Information

ADA Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including police vehicles, telephones, copiers, two-way radios, firearms, physical restraint equipment, and an intoximeter. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. No prolonged, extreme physical demands are associated with normal duties or assignments, but may be exerted during emergency situations. Such emergency situations include but not limited to physically restraining hostile persons of much greater size and physically defending oneself from violent physical attack by persons with intent on inflicting serious bodily injury or death. Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for heavy work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants / from supervisors.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of state criminal and civil codes, departmental directives, civil processes, state criminal and traffic codes, Unified Government ordinances, court procedures, and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare incident reports, daily logs, arrest reports, time sheets, etc. using prescribed formats and conforming