Full Time Inmate Call Monitoring Jobs in Columbia, SC

Salary : $51,293.84 - $59,008.04 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00003
Bureau: Detention
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Job Purpose
We're seeking responsible and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Detention Deputy. As a Detention Deputy, your main role will be ensuring the safety and order of inmates in our facility. You'll be responsible for maintaining security, supervising inmate activities, conducting searches, and following established protocols. The ability to work in a team, handle high-stress situations, and meet the physical demands of the job are essential for success in this challenging but rewarding career.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Maintain a secure and controlled environment within the detention facility
• Monitor inmate behavior and activities to prevent disturbances or escapes
• Conduct routine checks and inspections of cells, common areas, and inmates
• Enforce facility rules and regulations in a fair and professional manner
• Respond promptly to emergencies and incidents within the facility
• Prepare accurate and detailed reports on incidents, activities, and inmate behavior
• Collaborate with fellow detention deputies, supervisors, and other staff members

Job Specifications and Qualifications
Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent, with no experience required.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License;
• Possess or attain within 1 year of hire, Class II Basic Jail Certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Academy training is paid by the Department, and employees receive full compensation while attending the Academy; and
• Possess current CPR and First Aid certifications or have the ability to obtain certifications with provided training.

Qualifications for Deputy (Detention):

• Must be 18 years old, or within 3 months of turning 18 years old to apply.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Applicants must have a generally clean criminal record, meaning no felony convictions or serious offenses that are not expungable.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Work Schedule: After training, employees will generally start off working on the night shift, which is 6pm to 6am, and the days worked will rotate. There is an expectation of working mandatory overtime hours, as needed.
Working Conditions: Detention Deputies work in a controlled and secure environment, which can be stressful due to potential risks and challenges. Deputies must remain vigilant, handle difficult situations, and maintain control and order within the facility.
Physical Requirements: A Detention Deputy should be physically fit enough to have good endurance, strength, and coordination. A Detention Deputy needs to maintain sufficient physical fitness to handle the physical demands of the job, which includes patrolling, responding to incidents, and potentially restraining individuals. Having stamina and strength helps deputies carry out their duties more effectively. It is also necessary to have clear vision and hearing to observe the surroundings and respond promptly to security issues or emergencies as necessary.
The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Lexington County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement, holiday pay, vacation leave, sick leave, flexible spending accounts, wellness incentive health reimbursement account, deferred compensation, and more.
To learn more details, visit our website's
Salary for already certified Detention and Law Enforcement Deputy applicants
Starting Salary: $51,808 - $54,782
Applies to South Carolina Certified Officer working less than three years. Salary reflects working our standard shifts of 86 hours bi-weekly.
Three Years of Service Salary: $53,283 - $55,273
Applies to South Carolina Certified Officer working three years. Salary reflects working our standard shifts of 86 hours bi-weekly.
Six Years of Service Salary: $54,782 - $56,772
Applies to South Carolina Certified Officer working six years. Salary reflects working our standard shifts of 86 hours bi-weekly.
Salary for uncertified Detention and Law Enforcement Deputy applicants
Starting Salary: $49,795 - $53,772
Applies to the brand-new detention or law enforcement applicant. Salary reflects working our standard shifts of 86 hours bi-weekly.
Applicants may be eligible for additional incentives, depending on education and Spanish fluency. Call our HR Division office at 803-785-2407 to learn more.
Health Insurance
The County of Lexington provides medical insurance for its employees through a county funded Employee Health Care Plan. There are multiple coverages available for the employee to choose from, depending on his/her personal coverage needs.
Actual rate within the range is determined on which coverage plan is chosen and how many children are being covered.
The following semi-monthly rates apply:
Employee Only $35.00 - $88.50
Employee and Child(ren) $62.00 - $257.50
Employee and Spouse $135.50 - $242.00
Employee and Family 162.00 - $410.50
Employee Wellness Center
The County of Lexington provides a Wellness Center for its employees and their dependents who are covered under county health insurance. The staff of the Health and Wellness Center is licensed to diagnose, treat and prescribe for a wide variety of common illness and injuries at no cost to the employee and their covered dependents, when participating in the Gold or Silver Health Insurance Plan. There is a small co-pay if employees choose the Bronze Health Insurance Plan. Check out Marathon Health at
Dental Insurance
The County of Lexington provides dental insurance for its employees through the county's plan. There are two coverage plans from which the employee can choose, depending on his/her personal coverage needs.
Actual rate within the range is determined on which coverage plan is chosen and how many children are being covered.
The following semi-monthly rates apply:
Employee Only $3.11 - $3.58
Employee and Child(ren) $8.52 - $31.98
Employee and Spouse $9.28 - $10.67
Employee and Family $14.69 - $35.57
Vision Insurance
The County of Lexington provides vision insurance for its employees through the county's plan. Basic coverage is provided at a minimal cost to the employee. Employees who wish to cover members of their family may do so through payroll deductions.
The following semi-monthly rates apply:
Employee Only $3.75
Employee and Child(ren) $7.75
Employee and Spouse $7.60
Employee and Family $11.80
Life Insurance
The County of Lexington provides life insurance for its employees. Basic coverage is provided at no cost to the employee, with a benefit amount at 1.5 times the employee's basic annual earnings, up to $50,000.
Additional coverage on the employee or his or her dependents is available and can be paid for through payroll deduction.
Retirement
All full-time employees of the county participate in the South Carolina Retirement System or the South Carolina Police Officer's Retirement System.
Deferred Compensation
Employees are eligible to participate in the South Carolina Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan, 401K or 457. The amount deposited is determined by the employee and participation is optional. This is a tax-deferred savings program and is handled automatically by payroll deduction.
Overtime
Employees who are eligible for overtime are paid overtime at the rate of 1.5 times his or her regular rate of pay for time worked. Overtime will be calculated at any hours worked over 86 in a two week pay period for non-exempt, sworn personnel.
Holiday Pay
The County of Lexington observes 13 paid holidays each year. When 86-hour law enforcement and detention deputies work on of these holidays, they are paid for twice the number of hours worked on the holiday.
Annual Leave and Sick Leave
Annual leave is accrued at the rate of 10 days per year for employees with less than five years of service with the county; 15 days for 5-10 years of service; and 20 days for 10 or more years of service. Sick leave is accrued at 12 days per year.
Collateral Duty Pay
Employees receive collateral duty pay, in the form of quarterly-paid supplements, for serving in specialized assignments over and above their regular, paid assigned job duties.
Extra Duty Opportunities
Law enforcement officers (patrol deputies and other class 1 certified officers) have the opportunity to sign-up for extra-duty jobs to earn extra income working for secondary employers. Most extra-duty jobs pay $50/hour, with a 3-hour minimum.
Education Incentive Pay
Employees receive educational incentive pay for completing degrees in pre-approved courses of study at approved accredited institutions.
College Tuition Discount
Employees may be eligible for law enforcement tuition discounts at various institutions. The employee needs to check with the college or university to inquire if they have a tuition discount available to law enforcement.
Montgomery G.I. Bill
Veterans may qualify to use their G.I. Bill education benefits while working and receiving on-the-job training at the Sheriff's Department.
Gym Membership
Gym memberships are available to all employees at a highly discounted rate to the employee, made possible through the efforts of the Lexington County Sheriff's Foundation.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Association Membership
The department pays for membership in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Association for all law enforcement and detention deputies. Membership in SCLEOA entitles the member to a list of member benefits. For more information, see SCLEOA's website at
South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Membership
Certified personnel receive an Individual Membership to the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association. For more information, see South Carolina Sheriffs' Association website at
Work Schedules
Patrol deputies and detention deputies work the following schedule:
12-hour shifts - 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.
Patrol Deputies: Two days on, two days off; three days on, two days off; two days on, three days off; (this cycle then repeats).
Detention deputies work a permanent shift (days or nights).
Patrol deputies rotate between dayshift and nightshift every 28 days.
Vehicles
At the discretion of the Sheriff, employees in designated positions are authorized to be assigned a department vehicle on a 24/7 week basis. Take-home vehicles are only available to personnel living in Lexington County or living in one of the adjacent/bordering counties of Aiken, Calhoun, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland or Saluda.
Equipment
Department personnel receive the equipment (uniforms, firearms, etc.) necessary for the position for which they are hired.
01
Are you at least 18 years-of-age, or will be within 3 months?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you a United States citizen?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you currently have South Carolina Class 2 Corrections certification?

• Yes
• No

04
If you are certified in South Carolina through the Criminal Justice Academy, please list your Academy ID number.
05
Are you a certified correctional officer in another state?

• Yes
• No

06
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

07
Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and includes varying shifts?

• Yes
• No

08
What state were you born in? If you were born outside the United States, please indicate the country.
09
Do you speak Spanish fluently?

• Yes
• No

Required Question