1

Harris County Jail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Detention Officer (Jailer) Position is a Civil Service-protected position with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Requirements Follow the link below to apply Apply for Detention Officer Here ...

The Detention Officer (Jailer) Position is a Civil Service-protected position with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Requirements Follow the link below to apply Apply for Detention Officer Here ...

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

The Detention Officer (Jailer) Position is a Civil Service-protected position with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Requirements Follow the link below to apply Apply for Detention Officer Here

Detention Officer - Sheriff's Office - Jail Harris County, Georgia, with a population of 36,000 and located in west central Georgia along the Alabama border 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Harris County Jail information

See salary details

$5

$21

How much do harris county jail jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for harris county jail in the United States is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do jailers get paid in Texas?

Jailers, also known as detention officers, in Texas typically earn an average salary of around $35,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced officers or those in supervisory roles can earn higher wages. Certification and training are often required for employment in this role.

What Harris County jobs are in demand?

In Harris County, jobs in demand include correctional officers, administrative staff, healthcare professionals, and maintenance workers at the jail. These roles often require relevant certifications, background checks, and experience working in correctional or security environments.

What are Harris County Jail jobs?

Harris County Jail jobs refer to a range of positions within the Harris County Jail system in Houston, Texas, including correctional officers, administrative staff, medical personnel, and support roles. Employees are responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and care of inmates, as well as maintaining order within the facility. These jobs often require background checks, specialized training, and a commitment to upholding the law and county policies. Working at Harris County Jail can be challenging but also provides opportunities for career growth and public service.

How much does HCSO pay?

The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) pays detention officers and other staff competitive wages that typically range from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and shift differentials. Entry-level positions may start at lower salaries, with opportunities for advancement and overtime pay. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

How much do you get paid in Harris County Jail?

Pay for positions at Harris County Jail varies depending on the role, experience, and shift. Entry-level detention officers typically earn around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime and benefits. Salaries may increase with experience, certifications, and supervisory responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Correctional Officer at Harris County Jail, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Officer at Harris County Jail, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and knowledge of correctional procedures, often supported by state certification and completion of a training academy. Familiarity with security surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and restraints is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and sound judgment help officers manage inmate interactions and maintain a safe environment. These abilities are essential for ensuring security, upholding legal standards, and promoting order within the facility.

What is the difference between Harris County Jail vs Correctional Officer?

AspectHarris County JailCorrectional Officer
Primary RoleDetains and manages inmates within Harris County JailSupervises inmates in correctional facilities, including jails and prisons
Work EnvironmentJail facilities, security checkpoints, inmate housing areasCorrectional facilities, security posts, inmate interaction areas
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, background check, possibly certificationHigh school diploma or GED, training certification, background check
Employer & IndustryHarris County Sheriff's Office, criminal justice industryCorrectional institutions, law enforcement agencies

Harris County Jail refers to the facility where inmates are detained, while correctional officers are the personnel responsible for supervising and managing inmates within such facilities. Both roles require similar credentials and operate within the criminal justice industry, but their focus differs: one is a facility, the other a job position.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working at the Harris County Jail?

Correctional officers at the Harris County Jail often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. They must remain vigilant while enforcing rules, de-escalating conflicts, and working collaboratively with other staff members, including healthcare and administrative teams. Additionally, officers may work long or rotating shifts, which can require strong time management and resilience. Opportunities for advancement are available, especially for those who demonstrate professionalism and effective communication skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Harris County Jail jobs? The most popular types of Harris County Jail jobs are:
What states have the most Harris County Jail jobs? States with the most job openings for Harris County Jail jobs include:
Infographic showing various Harris County Jail job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,037 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Psychiatrist Forensics - FSPA

Psychiatrist Forensics - FSPA

The Harris Center

Houston, TX

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is expanding our psychiatry team! The Psychiatrist, FSPA will provide psychiatric treatment including but not limited to: psychiatric evaluations, medication maintenance, provides leadership to a multidisciplinary treatment team, and crisis intervention to people served in the Forensic Single Portal Authority (FSPA) Program located within the Harris County Jail.
This position will provide clinical leadership to the treatment team who provides services at this location.

Your Role in Action:

Evaluations and Assessments - Evaluate individuals and complete all applicable assessments which are required according to State and Jail Commission Program and Accreditation Standards and are deemed appropriate as outlined by the Harris Center Chief Medical Officer.

As a minimum, will complete the Psychiatric Evaluation and update the diagnosis as clinically appropriate.

Will complete an initial psychiatric evaluation as required for an Introduction to Psychiatric Medications and follow up with patients as medically necessary to ensure medication adherence.

Will complete court ordered medication petitions on patients as medically necessary for restoration to competency, including providing testimony to the court during court-ordered medication hearings.

Will complete AIMS on all individuals who receive antipsychotic medications as per the HHSC Medication and Audit Criteria and Guidelines.

Will order laboratory studies as recommended by HHSC Medication and Audit Criteria and Guidelines.

Will adhere to volume productivity expectations as defined by the unit in order to achieve or maintain competency for patients on the State Hospital Waitlist.

Will complete Certificates of Medical Examination (CMEs) as ordered by the court.

Medication Maintenance - Provide Medication Maintenance to those individuals served in the Harris County Jail.

Will provide medication management visits and monitor those individuals associated with this site. These reviews will occur according to each patient's individual needs.

Will order and monitor appropriate laboratory work for each individual who requires it, according to the individual's needs. Will review laboratory results prior to the next appointment with the patient and make recommendations as needed. Utilizes HHSC Medication and Audit Criteria and Guidelines.

Will prescribe according to HHSC formulary guidelines.

Case Consultation - Provide case consultation when deemed necessary and appropriate.
Will use a strength based, trauma informed approach to work with the treatmentteam to provide clinical leadership to all members of this team and collaborate forthe best treatment options to help support clients in their treatment and recovery.

Will make treatment recommendations upon discharge from the Mental Health Units (MHU) or the Harris County Jail, as needed, for continuity of care and transition into the community.

Crisis Resolution Services - Provide Crisis Resolution Services and complete all required documentation as related to The Harris Center and Texas Jail Commission Accreditation Standards and 46B Statutory requirements if applicable.

Will provide face to face intervention for individuals as episodes occur

Will be empathetic to past/present traumatic events that could impact care

Will consult with appropriate medical physicians (ex: Emergency Room) when an individual is referred to program services, or in other situations as necessary.

Will consult with other community providers for those individuals who are served by the Harris County Jail.

Documentation
Complete a progress note for each appointment with individuals serviced and ensure the note contains the following elements:

Service(s) rendered

Date, start time, stop time, and total time

Signature and Credentials

Setting

Response of individual to intervention

Clinical notes will meet a standard of compliance with payor rules of documentation as measured by audits completed by designated department and scheduled/unscheduled reviews by Chief Medical Officer.

Record all services delivered on appropriate document(s) immediately after the service is rendered

Training - Complete all required training as outlined by The Harris Cener and Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO).

Ensure ability to demonstrate competency in aggression related curriculum

Maintain compliance with all the required agency and department specific training requirements as outlined.

Participate in continuing medical education particularly those activities that will enhance knowledge and skill related to the population served

Attend scheduled team meetings with other members of the Treatment Team. Attend scheduled medical staff meetings with the Medical Director.

Other Duties - perform other related job duties as assigned

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

  • Graduation from as Accredited Medical School and Psychiatric Residency Program. Licensed to practice medicine in the State of Texas. Special Courses, Certificates, and Licenses: Texas Medical License.

Other Key Qualifications

  • Licensed to Practice Medicine in the State of Texas (Specialty in Psychiatry).
  • Boards Eligible or Board Certified in General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent, and Forensic.
  • Must have and maintain a current controlled Substance Registration certificate from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
  • Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Registered

Supervisory Relations and Responsibilities (Optional)
A.Supervisors
i. Administrative: Harris Center Mental Health Jail Administrator will oversee any duty or task that is non-clinical in nature.
ii. Clinical: Chief Medial Officer will provide guidance on clinical/medical tasks.

B.APRN and PA's Supervisor
i. Provide supervision of APRN's and PA's, along with prescriptive authority

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1.Preferred Knowledge of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 46B. Incompetent to Stand Trial. 46B.071, 46B.073, 46B.090

2.Knowledge of Texas Health & Human Services Department (HHSC) Rules and Statutes, including guidelines for prescribing psychoactive drugs.

3.Knowledge of Texas Mental Health Code

4.DSM-V or ICD -knowledge of diagnostic criteria, specific clinical features and guidelines for formulating a diagnosis

5.The ability to incorporate patient history and symptoms and environmental and related issues to formulate proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation

6.Intimate knowledge of Chronic mental health treatment, including current psycho-pharmacological trends.

7.Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team

8.Knowledge of current trends in alcohol and drug treatment.

9.Ability to type execute standard word processing software on the computer

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

  • This posting is associated with position #62103.Harris County Sheriffs Department, 1200 Baker St., Houston, TX 77002.
  • Sign-on bonus $10,000

About us:

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.


What The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom