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Inmate Classification Specialist Jobs in California

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Inmate Classification Specialist information

See California salary details

$21.1K

$67.3K

$118K

How much do inmate classification specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate classification specialist in California is $67,323.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,169.00 and $91,068.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an inmate classification specialist?

An Inmate Classification Specialist assesses and classifies incarcerated individuals based on factors such as criminal history, behavior, and security needs. They determine appropriate housing assignments, program eligibility, and custody levels to ensure safety and rehabilitation. These specialists work closely with correctional staff, law enforcement, and social services to manage inmate populations. Their role helps maintain order within facilities while supporting inmate reintegration efforts.

What does an inmate classification specialist do?

A typical day for an Inmate Classification Specialist involves conducting interviews and assessments with new and existing inmates, gathering and analyzing background and behavioral information, and documenting findings in offender management systems. You will often collaborate with correctional officers, counselors, and administrative staff to make informed placement and program recommendations for inmates. The role requires ongoing review of inmate files, attendance at classification meetings, and clear reporting on classification decisions. It is a dynamic position that balances independent decision-making with teamwork to help maintain institutional safety and proper inmate management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inmate classification specialist?

To thrive as an Inmate Classification Specialist, you need a background in criminal justice or a related field, analytical skills for evaluating inmate backgrounds, and familiarity with security regulations. Experience with offender management systems, databases, and knowledge of classification protocols is highly valuable. Strong communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills allow for effective interactions with inmates, correctional staff, and multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure proper inmate placement, facility safety, and compliance with legal and organizational guidelines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inmate Classification Specialist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Inmate Classification Specialist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Inmate Classification Specialist jobs in California?

For Inmate Classification Specialist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Inmate Classification Specialist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Inmate Classification Specialist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Inmate Classification Specialist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Inmate Classification Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Inmate Classification Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,323 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

San Francisco, CA • On-site


California Department of State Hospitals
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

Good employer

Respectful managers


$5.8K - $6.9K/mo

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Psychiatric Technician (Safety) Salary: PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY) $5,673.00 - $6,599.00 S $5,864.00 - $6,993.00 T $6,079.00 - $7,249.00 U New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. Job Description and Duties The Psychiatric Technician (Safety) will be directed by the Unit Supervisor, RN Shift Lead, Senior Psychiatric Technician, or Health Services Specialist depending on the shift/program assigned at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties, but not limited to: Help to create a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients or inmates. Apply mental health principles and relationship security with patients or inmates. Supervise patient activities. Perform custody tasks including supervision of patient activities. Shakedown; i.e., searching for drugs, contraband, weapons and inspecting facilities to identify security breaches that could lead to the escape of a patient or inmate. Observe and intervene in patient behavior that may injure people, damage property or signal impending escape attempts. Applies and demonstrates knowledge of correct methods in Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI), that includes patient containment, heavy lifting, applying restraints, and responding to emergency situations throughout the hospital. Perform nursing procedures such as administering medications including oral medications and hypodermic injection, observing patients or inmates physical condition and behavior and reporting significant changes to a shift supervisor, unit supervisor or physician and recording nursing notes: in the patients or inmate records. CPR, and following infection control procedures. In order to be considered for this job vacancy, you must satisfy one of the following requirements: BE LIST ELIGIBLE: Successfully complete the competitive State civil service exam pertaining to this classification at Psychiatric Technician (Safety) Exam Bulletin, OR BE TRANSFER ELIGIBLE: Have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable (employees who wish to be considered based on transfer eligibility must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification per DPA Rule 250), OR BE REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLE: Have obtained previous permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. You will find additional information about the job when clicking on APPLY Working Conditions This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA). 12 hour shifts and other alternate schedules may be available based on current staffing needs. There are multiple vacancies for this classification. Positions filled may be assigned to any shift and any unit according to hospital need.


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