Detention Officer- Full Time

About the Department

The Transylvania County Jail is a multi-jurisdictional detention facility that houses both local and federal inmates, serving county agencies and federal partners. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking dedicated, motivated candidates for the role of Full-Time Detention Officer.

In this position, you will perform essential law enforcement duties related to the care, custody, and supervision of individuals housed in the detention center. Detention Officers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the facility, preventing and detecting criminal activity, and supporting the enforcement of North Carolina laws.

Key responsibilities include processing inmates, maintaining facility security, and transporting individuals in custody. Ideal candidates demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with both the public and the inmate population. This is an opportunity to build a meaningful career in public safety while serving the residents of Transylvania County.

Position Duties

• Ensures the safety and security of inmates within the County jail; controls inmates by performing routine facility checks and conducting head counts.
• Receives and processes inmates into custody of institution; searches prisoners; takes charge of personal property.
• Verifies release orders.
• Escorts and transports inmates to court and other required appointments.
• Verifies inquiries pertaining to inmate status.
• Oversees the handling and distribution of medications and meals.
• Enters information into the system and updates records and files as necessary.
• Enters information into and maintains visitation log.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the institution
• Knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint.
• Ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly.
• Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates.
• Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems.
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately.
• Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates, attorneys and the general public.

Other Qualifications

Minimum Education and Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must be at least 20 years of age. 

• Possess as High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

• Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.

• Must be able to successfully pass the following: Oral Interview, Background Check, Polygraph Examination, Medical, Exam, Psychological Exam, Drug Screening, and any other additional supplemental interviews with Detention Administration.

• Must be able to obtain NC Sheriff Detention Officer and Taser certifications.

• Successful completion of SBI background check with required fingerprinting by Sheriff Office. (Instructions issued by HR at pre-boarding)

This position regularly requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force, frequently up to 50 pounds, and occasionally more than 100 pounds. The role frequently involves speaking and hearing, and may occasionally require standing, walking, sitting, using hands to handle or feel objects, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching with arms, pushing or pulling, lifting, and performing repetitive motions. Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color recognition, peripheral vision, night vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Vocal communication is essential for expressing ideas clearly and conveying detailed or urgent instructions effectively. Hearing is necessary to understand spoken communication, distinguish fine sounds, and receive detailed information. Additional tasks may include preparing and analyzing written or digital data, operating machinery or motor vehicles, and observing surroundings and activities.

The Detention Officer Position will be located within the Detention Center at the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard, NC. Work is primarily conducted within a team environment and interaction with detention administration, supervisors, other administrative support staff, court personnel, contract staff/vendors, and all members of the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office. The work environment is primarily indoors with occasional outdoor tasks in cold weather.