Jail Sergeant

JAIL SERGEANT

Department Sheriff’s Office

Grade Grade 5

Reports to Assistant Jail Administrator

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Union Status Teamsters Non-licensed Essential Unit

Final Appointing Authority

This position shall not be filled until final approval of the County Administrator. All offers of employment are made in writing by the Human Resources Department.

Job Summary

To maintain jail security by supervising inmates in accordance with established policies and procedures, and to train and advise other Correctional Officers.

Supervision Received 

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised

Serves as a work leader and is partially accountable for the work product of the Correctional Officers. Elements of direct control over these positions may include prioritizing and assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, establishing work standards, coordinating work schedules, and providing input into supervisor’s actions.  

Essential Functions 

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1. Ensures the overall safety and security of the facility. Performs Correctional Officer duties, in addition to assigning, training, and advising jail staff of appropriate courses of action to take when staff request or needs direction. 

2. Performs day-to-day operations. Ensures head counts are carried out, reviews initial housing classifications and makes secondary classifications when necessary, orders random daily inspections, oversees storage and delivery of inmate medications, determines when to notify on-call nursing staff, oversees jail visitation, authorizes legal strip searches when warranted, oversees handling and storage of inmate property, reviews inmate request forms and determines outcome, reviews and signs logs and technical reports of staff for accuracy, reviews disciplinary reports for clarity and content, briefs the oncoming shift, and ensures that fire and severe weather drills are conducted according to policy. 

3. Makes the final decision if there is question as to whether an arrestee is medically fit for admission to the facility, or if commitment papers/authorization are adequate. Determines when arrestees should be moved from holding cells or waiting area to a housing unit. Reviews each unusual commitment, release, discharge, court order, or other information pertinent to inmates to assure that such forms, records, or orders are valid, complete, and properly executed.

4. Serves as commanding officer in all emergency situations (riots, fires, escapes, hostage situations, or similar emergency situations) until relieved by a superior. The Jail Sergeant is first to respond to emergency or behavioral events within the facility; assumes responsibility for authorizing the use of force, chemical agents, pepper spray, or security equipment, consistent with policies and procedures.

5. Determines the release of booking information to the media – public or private data determination. Maintains documentation in accordance with the MN Government Data Practices Act.

6. Assists jail administration as requested in planning, researching, and implementing policies and procedures. Assists in investigating complaints concerning missing inmate property, theft, or damage in the booking/receiving and property/valuables storage process.

7. Provides back-up assistance in dispatch as needed. 

• Performs other work related duties as assigned/required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required, plus 5 years experience in the jail, dispatch, or other law enforcement career functions as related to law enforcement and/or demonstrated knowledge of the Department of Corrections Rules governing adult detention facilities, Chapter 2911. 

Must have excellent verbal communication skills, ability to hear normal range of radio and speech, and ability to visually observe persons and conditions. Must have ability to work independently, maintain a calm and professional manner at all times, and have the ability to physically restrain inmates if necessary. Must be able to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

When advertising for vacancies, Aitkin County will state whether a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) exists. For example, a BFOQ may exist related to gender for Jail Sergeant to comply with the overall DOC recommended staffing plan.  

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must pass a tuberculosis screening and receive a certificate in medication passing and Certificates of Training in CPR, First Aid, and AED within 6 months of hire.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 

2. Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position, including DOC rules and regulations, data practices, and basic personnel management concepts.

3. Current principles and techniques applied in detention facilities relating to security, safety of staff and detainees, group management methods, and jail civil liability.  

4. Training in Self Defense, taser training, CPR/AED and first aid, and other job-related topics.

Skill in:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with supervisors, staff, inmates, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

2. Leadership skills.

3. Computer skills and typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.

4. Organizing, prioritizing, delegating, monitoring, and critiquing work.

5. Accurate record keeping and attention to detail; operations of complex communications equipment; computer operations; operation of intercom and security lock systems; operation of various office equipment.

6. Preparing and making presentations to groups of staff.

7. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 

8. Self Defense, taser use, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other emergency response tactics.

Ability to:

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat others with respect, honesty, and consideration. 

2. Manage time and workload effectively.

3. Maintain confidentiality concerning personnel and other matters.

4. Supervise the activities of inmates, analyze and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations; remain alert to security needs in the jail by performing pat searches, contraband inspections, and handcuffing of inmates for court appearances; follow orders as directed.

5. Clearly convey and support management directives and initiatives when dealing with several staff at various levels within the facility, from new hires to well experienced staff. 

6. Efficiently use all technology, equipment, and software.

Language Skills 

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills 

Basic Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Skills 

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:  

 

County Payroll Software/E-time, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Jail or Dispatch Software, Internet, and other job-related software.

 

Ability to Travel

Occasional travel is required to attend trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County. 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, change management, delegation, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Incumbent works in a secured facility, which has limited access to outside windows. 

Equipment and Tools

Computer, telephone, radios, fax, copier, printer, calculator, shredder and other job-related tools and equipment, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must have the ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements needed to operate jail control console. Ability to exert mildly heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. Ability to exert sufficient physical force to restrain or subdue individuals. Ability to work under moderately comfortable and potentially dangerous conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as odors/smoke, toxic agents, violence, and disease may cause some discomfort and where there is a risk of injury and death. 

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

02/17/2016 - draft

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Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism