Entry Courthouse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Courthouse Bailiff's and Security Deputies within the Smith County Sheriff's Office Courthouse Security Division is a Certified TCOLE Peace Officer in good standing. Having a Licensed or Temporary Licensed Detention Officer certification is preferred. At times, this position is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. The Bailiff and Security Deputies are required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while being mindful of security operations. This position requires assignment to three different roles. The Courthouse Security Deputy oversees security for Judges, Jury, and Court Officers. When assigned, the Courthouse Security Deputies transports inmates to the Smith County Jail and Courthouse as needed. When assigned to security, the Security Deputies operate a security checkpoint at the Smith County Courthouse, Annex, Cotton Belt, Juvenile and Adult Probation Buildings.

Due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work, the Courthouse Security Deputy must be willing and available to work additional hours beyond assigned shifts, sometimes with little or no notice.

• Reviewing daily court and appointment listings and developing the daily transport schedule in conjunction with the Courthouse Security Sergeant.
• Ensuring building security by checking building daily (internally and externally), operating x-ray equipment and hand-held metal detection devices, monitoring security cameras, and other tasks related to keeping weapons or destructive devices from entering the facility;
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with inmates; Restraining unruly inmates using force and restraining devices; remaining alert at all times, and prepared to protect self and others from harm;
• Responding to emergencies, including medical emergencies;
• Documenting incidents, movement, rounds and inmate discipline;
• Performing person, property, and facility searches; interacting with the public during entry and exit;
• Complying with all policies and procedures of the Smith County Sheriff's Office;
• Demonstrates a good working knowledge of federal and state laws, county ordinances.
• Interacts with the public during entry and exit from the Smith County Courthouse, Annex, Cotton Belt, Adult Probation, and Juvenile.
• Fosters positive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies.

• Occasionally supporting Smith County Jail positions when needed;
• Performing additional duties as assigned

• Must be able to learn existing software programs such as Microsoft Office and Odyssey, and Spillman Flex.
• Must be able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Formal education in human services or criminal justice desired.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a Smith County Jailer, or experience in criminal justice or related field, or any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience of required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities.

Licenses and Certifications

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer in good standing required.
• Permanent Jailer license in good standing preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to detect abnormal behavior and extraordinary activities when observing the actions of an inmate or group of inmates.
• Ability to prepare a written description of personal property and accurately observe inmates. Ability to detect smoke from cigarettes, electrical fires, etc.
• Must have sufficient vision without glasses to defend self and others and perform mandatory life safety functions.
• Ability to properly identify colors utilized in descriptions.
• Dual vision is required.
• Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with uncorrected vision of 20/200 or better.
• Ability to hear alarms.
• Ability to hear and understand information received over the telephone, handheld radio and intercom.
• Ability to distinguish between normal sounds and sounds indicating impending, improper or unacceptable behavior such as altercations, fights, assaults, etc.
• Hearing must be within normal range as defined by nationally recognized audiometric standards, or that surpasses the normal range.
• Ability to detect the presence of smoke from cigarettes, electrical fires, etc.
• Ability to detect the presence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
• Physical requirements include lifting, carrying, struggling and pulling inmates or equipment weighing approximately 150-200 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to lift weights up to 40 pounds when lifting and positioning Scott Air Pack on back.
• Ability to climb stairs when moving within cellblocks.
• Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods of time when observing and monitoring inmates, security screening stations, and court operations.
• Ability to bend, stoop and kneel when checking under tables, beds and mattresses during cell searches.
• Finger dexterity, and hand and arm steadiness when adjusting knobs and switches, and operating computer keyboard.
• Eye, hand and arm coordination when fingerprinting individuals.
• May be required to physically restrain inmates in order to maintain discipline among other inmates when necessary.
• Must use hands or feet in self-defense, physically place inmates in or remove inmates from cells.
• Ability to use restraint devices (waist chains, leg irons, handcuffs, etc.) to control inmates, run after fleeing prisoners, drag immobile people, grip people tightly with hands to prevent their escape, crawl on hands and knees to avoid smoke.

Work environment is at times inside a jail environment with occasional exposure to hostile or violent people, bodily injury, contagious diseases, high noise areas and unfavorable fumes and odors.