Detention Officer

Vacancy Announcement 

We are accepting applications for: Detention Officer
Date Posted: February 26, 2025
Closing Date: Open until filled.                       

About the Position and Department: Detention Officers work in the Fallon County Detention Center under the direct supervision of the Fallon County Sheriff. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Position Overview: This position oversees and maintains custody, care, and control of inmates incarcerated at the Fallon County Detention Center. 

Required Education and Experience: Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be a citizen of the United States of America, reside within Fallon County, and be at least eighteen (18) years of age. May not have been convicted of a crime which could have resulted in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen.  Must be able to pass a post-employment physical and be able to perform Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques and physical interventions including the use of physical restraints. The successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive criminal and motor vehicle driving background checks. 

Preferred Education and Experience: One (1) year related work experience is preferred. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: This position requires unsupervised contact with incarcerated individuals and is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check; successful candidates may not hold felony criminal convictions that could have resulted in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary or convictions for violent crimes. Applicants are required to disclose any and all misdemeanor and /or felony convictions as an adult; this includes pleading No Contest, Guilty, or any conviction by a judge or jury. This position may utilize County owned vehicles, subject to a motor vehicle driving history review. Must possess or obtain a Montana driver license within thirty (30) days of employment.

Benefits: We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program. This position requires enrollment in the Sheriff’s Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

How to Apply: Applicants must complete the Standard Application for Position of Public Safety Officer in the State of Montana, available online at https://dojmt.gov/post/forms-and-other-documents. The POST application and a complete job description are available at the Fallon County Sheriff’s Office, or Human Resources office, 10 W. Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana, or online at www.falloncountymt.gov . Submit applications (resumes optional) to: Fallon County Sheriff, PO Box 899, Baker, Montana, 59313. Questions may be directed to Sheriff Trenton Harbaugh 406-778-8132, Undersheriff Nic Eisele 406-778-8133, or HR Manager Julie Straub 406-778-8164.   

Fallon County Job Description

Fallon County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetic information, pregnancy, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Human Resources.

 Job Overview
This position oversees and maintains custody, care and control of inmates incarcerated at the Fallon County Detention Center to ensure the safe and orderly operation of the facility. While supervision of inmates is the priority and of utmost importance, the predominant work is care and custody of inmates. 

Training is provided for this entry-level position in a wide range of areas. Successful applicants will be required to attend a four (4) week Correction Detention Officer Basic training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena, Montana. 

The following essential functions are representative of typical work performed but is not necessarily limited to these specific tasks/areas.
Essential Functions
Supervision of Inmates – Supervise, monitor, and maintain awareness of the movement and location of adult male and female inmates housed in the Detention Center by conducting physical round every thirty (30) minutes and head counts every hour; maintain daily logs as required. Physical rounds may be conducted on a more frequent time period to meet the needs of the Center and inmates. Employ cameras, video monitors, intercom system and radios as secondary means of visual supervision and communication with inmates and other staff members. Initiate disciplinary reports and incident reports. Process inmates in and out of facility by conducting visual searches, physical pat search, fingerprinting, photographing, and entering personal data into facility specific program. Conduct cell and inmate searches. Check cells for contraband when vacated. Dispense prescription and over the counter medications in accordance with established protocol. Transport inmates to scheduled appointments. Escort inmates to court hearings; may serve as bailiff. Utilize approved physical restraint techniques and nonviolent crisis intervention techniques in response to emergency situations; may perform basic first aid on sick or injured inmates. Ensure prompt and appropriate assistance to inmates in the event of injury, illness, or trauma. May provide court testimony based on knowledge, observation of or engagement with inmates.

Care and Custody of Inmates – Heat and serve prepared meals. Order prepared, frozen meals from local vender. Order basic toiletries and other approved commissary items from approved vender. Gather, launder, fold, and prepare bedding and inmate clothing for distribution. Must be able to complete these tasks while maintaining the priority and focus on supervision of inmates.

Department Support – Answer phones and route calls to appropriate department or person; respond to visitors and answer questions about detention center policies and procedures. Perform a variety of basic office tasks including but not limited to filing and shredding. Clean and organize various portions of the Detention Center and Sheriff’s Office including cells and storage areas. Complete perimeter checks for safety and security of the Detention Center and Courthouse. Conduct civil fingerprinting as requested. Enter data into Swift system. If the jail is empty for extended periods, may be assigned tasks in other departments.

Competencies
The knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics to perform this work include but are not necessarily limited to:  Accountability, Active Listening, Attention to Detail, First Aid, Commitment, Communication – Oral and Written, Computers, Dependable, Detention Operations, Flexibility, Foresight, Initiative, Interpersonal Skills, Crisis Intervention, Professionalism, Sensitivity, and Teamwork.
This position must communicate both orally and in writing accurately and effectively, utilizing appropriate grammar and spelling.  Proficient in Word and data entry. Must listen actively to ensure effective and correct communication; able to interact with variety of personalities. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Accurate writing skills, utilizing appropriate grammar and spelling. Knowledge of detention facility operations, principles, and practices. Willingness to initiate contact with inmates to clarify issues or problems in a timely manner; terminate fights and other physical disruptions. 

Ability to resolve questions or concerns with courtesy and respect. Utilize a variety of non-violent crisis intervention skills including negotiation and non-lethal weapons. Display mature judgment under stressful conditions. Ability to act with initiative, common sense, and good judgment. Ability to recognize contraband.  Ability to discern sensitive information and maintain confidentiality of criminal justice information. Ability to offer sworn testimony in court proceedings. Serve as an example of professional conduct to inmates and coworkers. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Fallon County employees and staff from outside agencies. Must be mature, flexible, and able to command respect and confidence of inmates and staff, philosophically committed to the objectives of the Fallon County Detention Center.

Safety
Safety is a primary duty and a personal responsibility. County employees are responsible for reading, understanding, and following safety rules and procedures as identified within County Policy, our Safety Program as well as at each department/work location/JSA. This position is responsible for wearing PPE as identified in the JSA or when working in areas where there is danger of injury. Responsible for wearing suitable work clothes as determined by the Sheriff and/or Undersheriff. Reports all injuries, hazards and/or near misses utilizing established reporting forms and procedures. Knows the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers and other safety devices. Attend all safety meetings including annual training. This position will not perform potentially hazardous tasks or use any hazardous material until properly trained.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This position performs the predominate work inside the Detention Center; may supervise inmates outdoors within the enclosed recreation area. Security perimeter checks are performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Will also use various cleaning tools and chemicals when performing janitorial duties. Will handle variety of food goods, utilizing microwave oven to prepare meals. When transporting inmates using designated County vehicle may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions.

Required Education and Experience
Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be a citizen of the United States of America, reside within Fallon County, and be at least eighteen (18) years of age. May not have been convicted of a crime which could have resulted in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen. 

Must be able to pass a post-employment physical and be able to perform Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques and physical interventions including the use of physical restraint. 

Preferred Education and Experience
One (1) year related work experience is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
This position requires unsupervised contact with incarcerated individuals and is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check; successful candidates may not hold felony criminal convictions that could have resulted in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary or convictions for violent crimes. Applicants are required to disclose any and all misdemeanor and /or felony convictions as an adult; this includes pleading No Contest, Guilty, or any conviction by a judge or jury.

This position may utilize County owned vehicles, subject to a motor vehicle driving history review. Must possess or obtain a Montana driver license within thirty (30) days of employment.

Compensation
Our Fiscal Year 2024-2025 compensation schedule for a Detention Officer is as follows:
Detention Officer (at hire): $25.78 per hour
Detention Officer 1 (completion of year 1): $26.35 per hour
Detention Officer 2 (completion of year 2): $26.92 per hour
Detention Officer 3 (completion of year 3): $27.49 per hour
Detention Officer 4 (completion of year 4): $28.07 per hour
Detention Officer 5 (completion of year 5): $28.64 per hour

This schedule is reflective of and will be adjusted for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment as approved by the Fallon County Commission.

After completion of the first year of employment, an employee becomes eligible to receive Longevity. Longevity is $0.15 per hour every year, with $0.25 per hour every five years.

Benefits
We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program.

This position requires enrollment in the Sheriff’s Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Position Type/Hours of Work
This is a full-time, permanent position. During Field Officer Training, will generally work a 40-hour week. After completion of Field Officer Training, will begin rotation in the Detention Officer schedule under established work periods. Fallon County Detention Center is a 24-hour facility with varying shifts, typically scheduled for twelve hours per shift, including days, overnights, and holidays. Once beginning a shift, may not leave the facility until the shift is completed or has obtained prior approval from the Sheriff. 

Physical and Environmental Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear to communicate well with inmates, other Detention Center staff, visitors, and other law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Regularly required to utilize vision to view inmates, monitor video screens, conduct searches, monitor inmate activities, and utilize general office equipment. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on uneven surfaces, sit, bend, and reach with hands and arms. May be required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; may involve physical interaction with inmates utilizing techniques taught and trained at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds. Maintaining strong physical health is strongly encouraged. Must be physically and legally able to drive a vehicle.