Employment Opportunities

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position performs Jail duties ensuring the welfare of all inmates of the Linn County Jail. Jailers participate in the day-to-day operations of the jail. Jailer participation involves but is not limited to; booking and releasing offenders, maintaining security of the facility, escorting offenders within and /or outside the secure confines of the jail. Jailers will supervise dispensing medications, effectively manage volatile and violent offenders, and fulfill several clerical duties.  In addition, Jailers maintains security, control, and custody in the Linn County Jail which consists of modules or pods. Jailers mostly use indirect supervision but may use direct supervision in the jail.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receives and books inmates.
• Ensures the welfare of all inmates of the Linn County Jail.
• Supervises inmates in the Linn County Jail.
• Supervises inmates during leisure time activities, court, appointments and work details.
• Will frequently transport inmates to and from court, medical appointments, and other institutions.
• Supervises inmates and visitors during visiting hours.
• Monitors and controls both internal and external security of the jail
• Sees that facilities, cells, and grounds are kept sanitary.
• Conducts periodic cell checks.
• Performs searches of inmates.
• Performs searches of cells and other areas for contraband.
• Maintains discipline among inmates.
• Opens and censors incoming mail.
• Maintains and updates Jail records.
• Performs fingerprinting and takes photographs.
• Assigns prisoners to cells according to the Jail classification plan.
• Releases prisoners on proper authorization, returning personal property and clothing.
• Communicates with medical staff and follows medical protocols.
• Delivers medications.
• Reports and if directed by supervisor investigate all incidents and violations of rules at the facility for disciplinary reports and possible citation or arrest.
• Collects and secures evidence.
• Supervise, guard, and protect inmates during court sessions, maintaining responsibility for the general security of the courtroom.
• Performs motor vehicle inspections.
• Checks for wants and warrants prior to the release of inmates.
• Monitors inmates mail and phone calls.
• Communicates with oncoming and outgoing shift for report of activity.
• Answers calls from the public and transfers calls.
• Utilizes computer to enter, retrieve and relay information.

Marginal Functions

• Testifies in court and before disciplinary boards.
• Trains with and uses a tazer for protection of self and others.
• Responds to inquiries regarding inmate detention and Jail policies within constraints of Sheriff Office policies.
• Performs clerical functions by maintaining logs, records, reports and files.
• Performs all other duties as needed or requested by the Sheriff, Undersheriff and Jail Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge of State and Federal laws affecting prisoners.
• Be willing to attend the basic jail academy for up to one week.
• Knowledge of inmate/resident classification and booking processes.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as reports, posters, policies, procedure manuals, releases, court orders and ID cards.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to give presentations regarding diversion programming.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, co-workers and the public both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to calculate calendar dates for entry/release, count money and inmate inventory.
• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Ability to react to emergency situations and use physical force necessary to defend oneself and others.
• Ability to attend to details, operate under pressure and exercise sound judgment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software are required as well as good typing skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and practices of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
• Thorough skill in performing the specific work functions of the Jail.
• Ability to diffuse highly stressful/confrontational situations.
• Ability to take charge of a given situation.
• Ability to remain objective.
• Ability to listen.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be willing to participate in a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training each year.

COMPETENCY:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies;

• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
• Project Management – Develops project plans; Coordinates projects: Communicates changes and progress; Complete projects on time and budget.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Monitors transition and evaluated results.
• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity – Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.
• Initiative – Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent action.

Experience, Education or other requirements: A high school diploma or GED is required. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older, at the time of appointment and have the ability to pass a work-related physical proficiency/agility test, a medical/physical examination, and a background investigation. Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony, must not have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. armed forces or a background that would be disrespectful to the profession of law enforcement or the citizens of Linn County Kansas.  This position requires a valid Kansas Driver’s License.  Experience in jailing or correction work is preferred but not required.  Current first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification (American Red Cross or equivalent) must be acquired prior to completion of initial training and must also be maintained as a condition of employment. Certification to wear and maintain respirators and protective masks and related personal protective equipment and department approved and issued defensive weapons is required of all positions.  Employees must successfully complete a ninety-day probationary training and assessment period from the date of employment.

Personal Relations:  Incumbent works daily with subordinates, sworn and non-sworn, and supervisory officers in order to fulfill job responsibilities and department objectives. Also may interact on a daily basis with other city agencies, outside law enforcement agencies and the general public. Incumbent exchanges routine information daily through one-on-one contact, by telephone, radio and by correspondence.

Daily contact with the general public, co-workers and supervisory personnel is expected.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccine, personal protective training and equipment will be provided.  Employee is sometimes exposed to outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat.  Conditions or situations exist in which there is the possibility of danger to life, health, or bodily injury to self and/or others. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position contains an element of risk to personal safety.

Physical Requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use hands and arms to reach, push, or pull; climb; talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• The employee must be able to lift, pull, bend, or physically restrain a combative or injured suspect weighing 165 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.