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Detention Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Concrete Careers, LLC

Estimator

Hartselle, AL · On-site

Cornerstone Detention Products, Inc. Job Summary Cornerstone Detention Products is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator to support the successful pursuit and planning of detention facility ...

cornerstone inc

Project Manager

Hartselle, AL · On-site

Cornerstone Detention Products, Inc. Job Summary Cornerstone Detention Products is seeking a Project Manager to oversee commercial construction projects from project turnover through closeout. This ...

cornerstone inc

Project Engineer

Hartselle, AL · On-site

Cornerstone Detention Products, Inc. Job Summary Cornerstone Detention Products is seeking a Project Engineer to support the successful execution of construction projects by coordinating, preparing ...

Cornerstone Inc.

AutoCad Drafter

Montgomery, AL

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled AutoCAD Drafter to join our dynamic team focused on security electronics for detention centers. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting and designing security ...

Cornerstone Inc.

AutoCad Drafter

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled AutoCAD Drafter to join our dynamic team focused on security electronics for detention centers. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting and designing security ...

JS Solutions

SERE Instructor

Daleville, AL · On-site

Full spectrum SERE-C graduate, to include Wartime, Peacetime Governmental Detention (PGD) and Hostage Detention (HD) training. * US Citizen * SECRET clearance * Certified to instruct IAW USA SERE ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDetention JobsDetention Jobs in Alabama

Detention information

See Alabama salary details

$23.1K

$45.5K

$72.1K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in Alabama is $45,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $49,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

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

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.

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

The most popular types of Detention jobs in Alabama are:

Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,460 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Detention Intake Specialist I

Madison County, AL

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$39K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Salary : $39,166.40 Annually
Location : 815 Wheeler Ave, Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00151
Department: Jail
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Hiring Manager: Amy Manning / Marcus Blackburn / Jaime Velez
Hiring Manager Contact Information: amanning@madisoncountyal.gov; mblackburn@madisoncountyal.gov; jvelez@madisoncountyal.gov
Position Overview
This position is responsible for the collection, verification, data entry and records of inmate information necessary to record all commitments of persons delivered to the custody of the Madison County Jail.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)
  • Provides computer entry requirements and understands how to process court paperwork, warrants, and new charges into the Jail Management System.
  • Obtains and delivers confidential information which must be held in the strictest confidence.
  • Performs other Booking and Release duties as assigned.
  • Answers telephone, performs data entry, and operates standard office machines and appliances, including computers.
  • Maintains various types of records, files and performs incidental clerical assignments such as filing, etc.
  • Performs related work as required.
Education and Experience
Education and Experience
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to Graduation from a standard high school; 1-3 years experience in responsible clerical work or other related fields.
  • Incumbent must learn and become proficient in the Jail Management System.
Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:
  • Detention Intake Specialist I - 0 to 5 years of experience
  • Detention Intake Specialist II - 5 to 10 years of experience
  • Detention Intake Specialist III - 10+ years of experience
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability
  • Skill in the operation of computers, modern office practices and procedures, able to multi-task and be detail-oriented.
  • Skill in the operation of common office appliances, including computer word processing and data entry.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions as required; must have the ability to remain alert and calm.
  • Ability to accurately maintain simple clerical records;
  • Ability to write legibly as required; ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Ability to learn assigned clerical tasks readily.
  • Must possess a level of fitness equal to the requirements of the Corrections Academy and be able to continue a fitness program to ward off fatigue, stress, and health problems attributed to not maintaining good health practices.
Other Requirements
Physical Requirements
  • Work is performed in the jail and will have daily contact with inmates in the Booking and Release areas.
  • This contact will be face-to-face, but there will be no actual physical contact with inmates due to separation by a counter.
  • Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items less than 25 pounds such as books, papers, office supplies, and file folders.
  • Work requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods of time and operate a computer keyboard.
  • The incumbent will be required to attend the Corrections Academy and certain aspects of self-defense and self-protection.
  • During the Corrections Academy, the incumbent will be required to complete a modified physical training program.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.
Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.
Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
A comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits.
Madison County periodically reviews and when fiscally able, adjusts salary rates and our benefits package to remain competitive in our area.
Benefits Summary
Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).
Coverage Type Employee'sPremium
Single Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 61.00
Family Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 150.00
Dental Coverage: Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. LGHIP manages dental costs and provides enhanced dental benefits using negotiated discounts with in-network dentists. To locate in-network dentists go to www.bcbsal.com. Assuming the services are covered you will normally only be responsible for out of pocket.
Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.
Employee Retirement Plans: Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). Participants contribute 5% to 8.5% of their earnings depending on their hire date and classification. Sworn Certified Personnel have an accelerated contribution schedule
*Employer contribution percentage is set by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and changes annually.
Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit. To be eligible to use the clinic, the employee and dependent must be enrolled in Madison County's health insurance plan as their primary coverage.
Voluntary Plans are also available:
  • Additional life Insurance for employee and dependents
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and childcare)
  • Vision Insurance
Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave:
*Minimum of 10 holidays per calendar year
*Accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month

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