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Jail Operator Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

LifePath Systems

QMHP MCOT Jail

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$25/hr

The MCOT Jail team member works under the direction of the Program Administrator of Crisis Outreach ... Due to MCOT operating 24/7, employees may be required to work on center holidays if the holiday ...

coctx

Detention Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Prepares and maintains legal documents and files on prisoners detained in the City jail, which ... Skilled in operating modern office equipment; * Skilled in mitigating hostile situations; * Skilled ...

City of Carrollton, TX

Detention Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$21.57/hr

Prepares and maintains legal documents and files on prisoners detained in the City jail, which ... Skilled in operating modern office equipment; * Skilled in mitigating hostile situations; * Skilled ...

coctx

Sr Detention Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Prepares and maintains legal documents and files on prisoners detained in the City jail, which ... Skilled in operating modern office equipment; Skilled in mitigating hostile situations. * Skilled ...

New

City of Garland

Detention Officer

Garland, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Up to 1 year experience as a detention officer or jailer in a government jail Knowledge, Skills ... Basic skill operating photographic and video recording equipment * Basic skill operating a computer ...

City of Garland

Detention Officer

Garland, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Up to 1 year experience as a detention officer or jailer in a government jail Knowledge, Skills ... Basic skill operating photographic and video recording equipment * Basic skill operating a computer ...

City of Forney

Communications Officer

Forney, TX · On-site

$49K - $69K/yr

Search prisoners at the request of the arresting officer; monitor jail operations; maintain and ... Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification from the Texas Commission of ...

Collin County

Be Seen First

Detention Officer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$57K - $80K/yr

Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Operator's Driver's License with an acceptable driving ... Jail personnel are permitted to have tattoos visible on their arms in short-sleeved uniforms. Some ...

City of Lewisville, TX

Detention Officer

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$37K - $51K/yr

Maintains jail facility; hoses out cells, etc.; requests supplies as needed. * Receives phone calls ... Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing ...

City of Lewisville, TX

Detention Officer

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$37K - $51K/yr

Maintains jail facility; hoses out cells, etc.; requests supplies as needed. * Receives phone calls ... Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing ...

City of Lewisville

Detention Officer

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Maintains jail facility; hoses out cells, etc.; requests supplies as needed. Receives phone calls ... Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing ...

Ellis County

Detention Officer

Waxahachie, TX · On-site

$57K/yr

JAIL Opening Date: 07/09/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Description NOTICE: All applicants must pass ... Prohibited by any state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle. (TCOLE standard) If you have ...

City of Lewisville, TX

Detention Officer

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Maintains jail facility; hoses out cells, etc.; requests supplies as needed. * Receives phone calls ... Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing ...

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All JobsJail Operator JobsJail Operator Jobs in Dallas, TX

Jail Operator information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$11

$24

$34

How much do jail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail operator in Dallas, TX is $24.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $29.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail operator?

Jail operators, also known as correctional officers or detention officers, are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail. Their duties include maintaining security and order within the facility, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that jail rules and regulations are followed. They also respond to emergencies, escort inmates, and assist with rehabilitation efforts. Jail operators play a crucial role in maintaining safety for both inmates and staff within correctional institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jail Operator, you need a thorough understanding of correctional procedures, safety protocols, and laws governing inmate management, often acquired through specialized training or certification such as a corrections academy. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and offender management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, situational awareness, and resilience help operators maintain order and effectively handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and smooth operation of correctional facilities.

What are some of the common challenges faced by jail operators during daily shifts?

Jail operators often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and responding quickly to emergencies. The environment can be high-pressure, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under stress. Operators must also ensure that procedures are followed correctly and that the rights of inmates are respected, which can be demanding but is critical for facility operations.

What is the difference between Jail Operator vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJail OperatorCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic training
Work EnvironmentJail facilities, security checkpointsPrison or jail facilities, patrol duties
Employer & IndustryLocal jails, detention centersState and federal prisons, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for security roles in detentionMore comprehensive security and inmate management

Jail Operators primarily focus on security and operational tasks within jail facilities, often with specific certifications. Correctional Officers have broader responsibilities, including inmate supervision and security across various detention settings. Both roles are essential in the criminal justice system but differ in scope and duties.

Can you work as a jail operator without a degree?

Jail operators typically do not need a college degree but must meet other requirements such as a high school diploma or equivalent, background checks, and training. Relevant skills include communication, security procedures, and knowledge of jail operations, and some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the jurisdiction.

What are popular job titles related to Jail Operator jobs in Dallas, TX?

For Jail Operator jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Jail Operator jobs in Dallas, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Jail Operator jobs in Dallas, TX are:

Jail Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jail Operator job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,321 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

QMHP MCOT Jail

LifePath Systems

Mckinney, TX • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 21 days ago

LifePath Systems rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The MCOT Jail team member works under the direction of the Program Administrator of Crisis Outreach Services. This position is team based to perform jail report regularly, mental health assessments on individuals that have a positive TLET or CCQ score, face to face crisis assessments, crisis intervention, crisis follow up and relapse prevention services for individuals with chronic mental illness within Collin County Detention Facility. Team member may assist MCOT services which would include similar services at the individual's place of residence, schools, hospitals, and other safe community-based locations within Collin County. Services will be provided 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, including holidays. Staff coordinates and monitors services, conducts crisis assessments and ensures follow up support and referrals for a 90-day period. Staff works within federal, state, and local guidelines to provide routine case management, skills training, psychosocial rehabilitation as well as community resource education within 90-day period. Performs services based in trauma informed and person driven care model. Is responsible for initiating and collaboratively completing uniform assessments then organizing and documenting the recovery plan for services to meet the individual's identified needs. Team member is responsible for discharge planning and serves as an advocate and liaison on behalf of the individual served. Team member may transport individuals in a center vehicle. This position is crossed trained with the Crisis Center to perform assessment of crisis resolution and stabilization and linkage to services to reduce inpatient and law enforcement interventions. Other duties as assigned to meet program and individual needs.
Expectations include timely and thorough documentation, time management and organizations skills, active collaboration with community partners, and strong teamwork abilities.
Specific Targets: Include completing mental heath and crisis assessments as soon as possible and preforming the jail report regularly. Ensure documentation is completed concurrently and signed by the end of shift. Assigned follow ups are completed at 24 hours, 1-7 days, 30, 60, and 90-day intervals. Shift report is communicated at the end of each shift. 90% of full chart reviews receive a score of 80 or higher. Attends monthly team meeting and weekly jail treatment team meeting as assigned.
Due to MCOT operating 24/7, employees may be required to work on center holidays if the holiday falls on their scheduled workday. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that require the use of Paid Time Off, employees are expected to notify their supervisor within 4 hours of their regularly scheduled work time. This position is a .9 full time equivalent, requiring 36 hours of work per week. Any additional time needed to complete job tasks for the week must receive prior approval from the supervisor.
Hiring for shift- THURS, FRI, SAT 6AM-6PM; with 4 hours on WED (between 2AM-6PM) to complete 40 hour commitment.
If Bilingual and receiving stipend, employee will be available to translate for other staff as needed and will utilize approved language in the provision of services as needed.
Education, Training, and Experience
  • Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a human services field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and two (2) years prior experience in a mental health field required.
  • Master's degree in human services field preferred.
  • Previous Crisis experience preferred.
  • English/Spanish bilingual preferred.
  • Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Knowledge of community resources, of case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods; and of program policies and procedures.
  • Be able to complete detailed, concise progress notes on all services provided during the sessions to meet timely documentation standards.
  • Have the knowledge and experience in providing rehabilitative services to individuals with mental illness.
  • Ability to assess individual's needs, to coordinate services, to communicate effectively and to train others.
  • Have the knowledge of the social services system and the ability to connect individuals with appropriate services.
  • Be able to write clearly and professionally.
  • Can think clearly and logically, to deal with potentially dangerous and/or emotional situations and utilize de-escalation techniques.
  • Have good time management and organizational skills.
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively as needed and have effective communication with supervisory staff and community partners when necessary.

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