Detention Specialist

  • Job Code: W2932
  • Pay Grade:WI
  • Pay Scale:$19.33-$31.92 Hourly; $40,206.40-$66,393.60 Annually
  • Exempt:No

Overview

Maintaining accurate and complete records; monitor terms and conditions of probation; and guide and secure community resources for all inmates and defendants who are under the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

  • Maintain accurate and secure files, case notes and computer databases on all inmates booked into the county jail and all defendants sentenced by the county courts.

  • Ensure all assigned defendants follow their terms and conditions of probation by providing orientation and clear and specific instructions regarding required actions.

  • Monitor progress and compliance through regular meetings and interviews, field supervision, phone contact, established goals, needs assessment and developed case plan, database searches for new charges/violations and documentation of progress as required by the court order.

  • Process and document cash, surety bonds, restitution, cost of supervision, releasing checklist transactions, and other court mandated fines, costs, and fees.

  • Respond to in-person and telephonic inquiries from the general public and community resources regarding inmate and/or defendant probation status, refer inmates and defendants to community resources and provide answers based on information that is contained in the Sheriff's Office records.

  • Process and coordinate teletypes, faxes, warrants, violations of probation, termination of probation and bond recommits from local, state, federal, or international agencies that pertain to the status of inmates’ custody in jail and/or defendants’ probation.

  • Process the first appearance court docket; provide criminal justice entities a copy to include charging documents and update inmate files as directed by the courts.

  • Process the daily court schedule and secure transport list for all jail inmates for Felony, Misdemeanor, and Traffic court.

  • Process records to release inmates from jail or to other jurisdictions, correctional/law enforcement agencies, mental health facilities or for the transfer of inmates to Florida State Prison and/or Florida State Hospital, etc., as directed by the courts.

  • Evaluate defendant’s progress and recommend intensity of supervision based on observations from time of conviction through the period of adjustment after release from a program and/or facility.

  • Input inmate immigration status and file information received from federal agencies.

  • Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Working knowledge of the Sheriff's Office and Department of Detention Services policies and procedures.

  • Working knowledge of the criminal justice and judicial system including terminology, processes and procedures.

  • Working knowledge of community resources, employment programs, social agencies or groups, which may assist in the defendants employment.

  • Working knowledge of customer service and general office policies, procedures, and practices.

  • Ability to handle cash and financial transactions.

  • Ability to generate accurate case files, computations and verification of data.

  • Ability to handle confidential information.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

  • Ability to testify in court and provide relevant information.

  • Ability to multi-task and work on multiple cases/projects simultaneously.

  • Ability to work effectively with others to include inmates and defendants within a secure detention setting.

  • Ability to use a computer and related software.

  • Ability and willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Education & Experience

  • A high school diploma or possession of a GED certificate.

  • Two years of clerical and/or customer service related experience.

OR

  • An associate's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

  • One year of clerical and/or customer service related experience.

Required Pre-Employment Testing

  • Completion of pre-employment testing.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.

  • Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.

  • No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff’s Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.

  • No illegal drug sale within lifetime.

  • No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.

  • No felony convictions within lifetime.

  • No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.

  • No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

  • Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.

Last updated: 12/29/2023