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Detention Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

AutoCad Drafter

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

... detention centers. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting and designing security ... Generate as-built drawings and documentation upon project completion. * Assist in the preparation ...

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Detention Assistant information

What is a detention assistant?

Detention Assistants are professionals who work in correctional facilities or detention centers, assisting in the supervision and care of individuals in custody. Their duties often include monitoring inmate activities, performing security checks, maintaining order within the facility, and supporting correctional officers with administrative or operational tasks. Detention Assistants play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff, and they may also assist with booking procedures and transporting detainees as needed.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention assistant?

To thrive as a Detention Assistant, you need a solid understanding of custodial procedures, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with security systems, incident reporting software, and basic first aid certification is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and effective conflict resolution abilities help manage detainee interactions and maintain a safe environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring security, compliance, and the well-being of both staff and detainees in a correctional setting.

What challenges do detention assistants face when interacting with detainees, and how are these managed?

Detention Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing confrontational behavior, addressing detainee needs under strict protocols, and maintaining safety in potentially tense situations. These are managed through comprehensive training in conflict resolution, clear communication, and teamwork with other staff and law enforcement. Regular briefings and established procedures help ensure Detention Assistants can de-escalate situations and foster a safe environment for both detainees and staff.

What is the difference between Detention Assistant vs Correctional Officer?

AspectDetention AssistantCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional training
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, security facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, security environments
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersState and federal correctional institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level detention rolesMore advanced, supervisory roles

While both Detention Assistants and Correctional Officers work in detention settings, Detention Assistants typically perform support tasks and have less responsibility, whereas Correctional Officers have more authority, supervision duties, and require additional training. The roles are closely related, with Detention Assistants often serving as entry-level positions within correctional environments.

Infographic showing various Detention Assistant job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$24.28 - $36.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Salary Information

Compensation plans are based on a multi-step progression system. The pay range reflects the entry level and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade. \r\n**A starting salary may be negotiated and will be commensurate with education, training and experience in alignment with pay administration policies** \r\n

Nature of Work

The fundamental reason this position exists is\r\nto monitor and care for the needs of detainees in secure custody at the\r\nMontgomery County Youth Facility. The Montgomery County Youth Facility is a\r\ncontrolled security facility. The work responsibilities of the position are:\r\nmonitors detainees in all daily activities, events, school and their assigned\r\nduties; oversees detainees in performing daily housekeeping duties; documents\r\nall daily activities and movements of detainees; processes new detainees for\r\ndetention; and contributes to department objectives. Employees receive direct\r\nsupervision from the shift supervisor, and general supervision from a\r\nCompliance Officer, the Assistant Detention Director, or the Detention Director.\r\n

Minimum Qualifications

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHigh\r\nschool diploma or G.E.D. and one of year experience working directly with\r\ndetainees or youth in an institutional setting, organized recreational program,\r\nor the juvenile justice field or a Bachelor's degree in social sciences such as\r\ncriminal justice, justice and public safety, human services, social work, or a closely-related\r\nfield.\r\n\r\nNote: Qualifying educations, training and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job will be considered.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Special Requirements

Employment\r\nis conditional upon applicants acquiring and maintaining an Alabama Driver's\r\nLicense and providing a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the Department of\r\nPublic Safety as proof of an insurable driving record and passing a Physical\r\nAgility Test.\r\n

Kind of Examination

Applications are being accepted to fill part timevacancies that may occur during the life of the register. The current vacancy is with theMontgomery County Youth Facility.Applicants will be pre-screened using the application and an applicant's responses to a qualification/willingness questionnaire. Individuals who meet the pre-screening criteria will be referred to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO).\r\n\r\n\r\nMCSO will contact individuals to begin the next phase of the screening process.\r\nPaper applications are no longer accepted. Completed applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. If there is no closing date, the announcement may be closed at any time without prior notice.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Additional Information

BENEFITS: Employees are offered a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, and life insurance, paid annual and sick leave, paid holidays, and a retirement program.\r\nDRUG TEST:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a pre-employment drug test. (The drug test may require the submission of a sample of hair, finger nails, and/or urine that will verify illegal drug use).\r\nBACKGROUND CHECK:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a background check. (Candidates will be asked to provide consent prior to the administration of background checks.)\r\nEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, national origin, or any other non merit factors is prohibited. Discrimination on the basis of age, sex, or physical disability is prohibited except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration.\r\nREQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the applicant with a disability to request accommodation which he/she requires in order to participate in the application or examination process. The Montgomery County Commission reserves the right to require documentation of the need for accommodation under the ADA. In order to request accommodation in the application or testing process, contact Human Resources at: (334) 832-1217.\r\nI9: Prior to your employment, you will be required to provide to your employer documentation of your identity and employment eligibility in order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.\r\nUPDATE OF CONTACT INFORMATION: It is your responsibility to update your contact information (address, phone, email) so that we can contact you about jobs.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time