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Detention Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Detention Services Officer (DSO) is an entry-level civilian law enforcement position. In this ... May assist in apprehension of prisoners using sound principles of law enforcement techniques. 12.

Physician Assistant

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$117K - $135K/yr

... a physician, the Physician Assistant performs a variety of services in the examination and ... Detention Facility, to support the goals of the Medical Clinic or Behavioral Health centers.

Physician Assistant

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$117K - $135K/yr

Serves as a treatment provider to patients at the Health Services Agency, Juvenile Detention ... Valid Physician Assistant certificate issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs ...

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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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention jobs in California?

The most popular types of Detention jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Detention Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Detention Assistant job openings:

$84K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION The City of Gilroy is recruiting to fill the position of Detention Services Officer in the Gilroy Police Department (GPD). $7,040.17 - $9,434.17 Monthly Base Salary* Plus Excellent Benefits Holiday Pay (7.01% of base), Spanish/English bilingual pay (5% of base), and education incentive pay (up to 5% of base) are available in addition to the base salary noted above. Work Schedules include 4-10 (Monday - Thursday) and 3-12.5 (Friday - Sunday) - must be able to work varied hours of the day/night, weekends, and holidays

*Additional steps (Step F and Step G) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F) and ten years of service (Step G), one year at the prior step, and good performance evaluation. Initial salary placement is typically at the entry point of the range unless the candidate has prior Detention Services Officer experience which may warrant initial placement at a higher step. The Detention Services Officer (DSO) is an entry-level civilian law enforcement position.

In this exciting opportunity, the DSO will work under the general direction of the Patrol Watch Commander operating the department's detention facility, booking and transporting prisoners, and provide general assistance to the Operations and Support Services Division. Other law enforcement services and duties are required such as maintaining jail security, conducting searches, and responding to non-hazardous calls for service. The work of DSO's may be dangerous.

Employees take suspects into custody at the City jail and may hold them for up to 24 hours. Once in custody, prisoners may be transported to the County jail in a Police vehicle or van. While performing routines, employees may start in a seated and docile position and then respond in a highly energized position.

This job may be very fast paced and may require quick changes within a short period of time. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Gilroy Police Department (GPD) is located 28 miles south of San Jose, in Santa Clara County, and serves a diverse population base of approximately 60,000 residents. GPD provides 24 hour patrol services responding to public safety calls for service and implementing crime suppression, conducting investigations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation and solving civil conflicts, arresting suspects and engaging in directed patrol missions to prevent or reduce crime in order to protect life and property for the citizens of Gilroy.

The Gilroy Police Department is a progressive and forward-thinking organization that fosters career growth and seeks to utilize our employees to their fullest potential. Our core values of respect, integrity, compassion, teamwork, innovation, and accountability are a foundation to enhancing police services, community relations, quality partnerships, and meeting the needs of our community whom we are dedicated to serve. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL Possess general knowledge of the Criminal Justice and Department of Justice standards of confidentiality.

Have experience booking arrestees and administering fingerprints, taking prisoner photos, completing medical forms, and transporting detainees. Exercise good judgment, courage, alertness, and an even temperament to achieve desired results when dealing with prisoners. Maintain poise and self-control during contentious situations that require mental resilience and the ability to act quickly.

Have experience with firearms. Have effective oral and written communication skills along with a strong ability to actively listen. Be technologically savvy and able to work with various electronic devices, office equipment, and software programs.

Hold cleanliness in high regard to ensure safety conditions of the detention facility are up to standards. Maintain an organized work area that is adequately stocked with necessary supplies. Take a significant degree of initiative, use independent judgement, and discretion.

Be able to work various shifts and days including holidays. 1. Complete booking on arrestees, including but not limited to fingerprinting, photographs, booking and medical forms.

2. Maintain jail security, which may include conducting searches. 3.

Maintain, control, and care for prisoners in Police custody. Provide periodic checks and monitor prisoner activity. 4.

Comply with State laws and department regulations regarding prisoner segregation, safety, rights and overall work. 5. Make timely notification to the watch commander of detention facility conditions and incidents involving prisoners.

6. Responsible for the cleanliness and safety conditions of the detention facility. 7.

Ensure detention facility is adequately stocked with supplies. 8. May be required to assist in property and evidence collection and processing.

9. Properly operate, care for and maintain department equipment. 10.

Pick up and transport prisoners. Monitor and escort prisoner movements. 11.

May assist in apprehension of prisoners using sound principles of law enforcement techniques. 12. May be required to prepare police reports and accurately complete a variety of forms.

13. May be required to provide written statements or keep logs on incidents, which occur in the holding facility or involving prisoners. May be required to tape record and transcribe dictated reports.

14. Serve subpoenas. 15.

Make recommendations for updates in department policies and procedures. 16. Testify in court.

17. Fingerprint and/or photograph citizens or City employees, as required. 18.

Lift and carry equipment, supplies and packages. 19. Assist in maintenance of files and indexes.

20. Maintain equipment inventory and distribute equipment and supplies. Ensure repair and/or replacement of damaged equipment.

21. Assist in vehicle maintenance program. 22.

May be required to do computer data entry. 23. May be subject to recall.

24. May work an assigned shift with varied days and/or hours; may be required to work holidays. 25.

Participate in training programs. QUALIFICATIONS Possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Possess a minimum of two (2) years of full-time work experience, preferably in public service.

Required to attend a 176-hour Corrections Academy course within one year from the date of hire. Be at least 21 years of age. Pass a physical agility test.

Be able to meet the current physical ability/ medical standards for a Detention Services Officer and be free from physical condition which adversely affect the performance of the essential duties of a Detention Services Officer. Pass a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, and extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and firearms clearance. Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test

Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicles. Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry and meet department firearms qualification requirements Pass all required department training. Possess and maintain C.P.R

and First Aid Training certificates within six (6) months of hire. Establish and maintain residency within 45 minutes normal driving time from the Gilroy Police Station within 18 months from date of hire. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired but not required.

Prefer non-tobacco user. P.O.S.T. PHYSICAL AGILITY WORK SAMPLE TEST BATTERY INFORMATION Please read the following instructions very carefully because they do contain important information in regard to the testing process and registration

P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery The City of Gilroy Police Department works with The Academy to administer the P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery requirement

To register to take the test to obtain a P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery Certificate please visit the following site: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/. Click on the Physical Agility Exam tab and you will see the various dates and times the agility test is offered at different locations in the region

In addition, the website noted above contains information regarding practice sessions offered to candidates. The cost to candidates for this exam will be $125.00 plus a test fee of $4.04 due at the time of registration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact The Academy at (408) 270-6458

Please submit a copy of your P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery certificate showing the minimum score of 384 points and passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less) with your online application. Your results must be dated within one year of your application

P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery certificates with a minimum score of 384 points and a passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less) will be accepted from California P.O.S.T. locations other than The Academy provided they are dated within one year of the employment application

When attending the exam please plan your time and arrive at least 15 minutes early and plan for traffic and other unknown events. Testing dates are subject to change by the testing location. Important: You must upload and attach your WSTB Test Results to your application packet.

*The City will reimburse WSTB testing fees for any candidate hired for this position. (Please retain your receipts to submit when hired.) APPLICATION PROCESS If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application: A complete application with responses to Supplemental Questions Written passing result/score for the P.O.S.T. physical agility work sample test battery {score of 384 or higher plus a passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less)} dated within one year of the employment application is required Cover letter that explains your specific interest in this position with the City of Gilroy Police Department is preferred Detailed resume focusing on related work experience and education is preferred City Application Form - Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online

Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted. Apply Online: Go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgilroy. You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link

After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information.

This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings. Recruitment Schedule - Key Dates* This recruitment is open until filled; please apply ASAP. Interviews are scheduled periodically based on the needs of the City of Gilroy.

Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.

THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION.