Court Security Officer

The salary for these positions is: $24.43 per hour.

Thurston County is recruiting for Extra Help Court Security Officers. Court Security Officers are utilized to provide "on-call" help to fill in for regular staff absences and provide security screening based on court security needs and requirements. Under the general direction of Superior Court, Court Security Officers provide the day-to-day protection and security of the Thurston County Courts and respective facilities by maintaining order and ensuring the personal safety and security of judges, staff, and the general public. Court Security Officers operate and maintain the security screening stations in court facilities, monitor and respond to courtroom and court facilities emergency alarms, respond to calls for security services and assistance, and perform a variety of technical duties for court security processes.  

Please note: Extra help positions should be available to report for assignment on short notice. Extra help positions typically work fewer than 20 hours per week but may be asked to work over 40 hours in a workweek. Extra help positions are not guaranteed a minimum number of hours or a regular schedule and are limited to working fewer than 1039 hours in a twelve-month period.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Secures weapons prior to persons entering the courthouse and ensures weapons are safely secured in lockers.
• Confiscates and seizing unauthorized weapons and processing them for criminal charges and/or destruction.
• Maintains accurate daily records of number of visitors entering the courthouse.
• Operates walk-through magnetometer, handheld wand metal weapon detector or other related types of screening devices to check visitors entering the courthouse for weapons and other prohibited articles. Conducts hand searches of personally carried items to inspect for potentially dangerous objects.
• Continuously monitors, via closed circuit cameras, courtrooms and facilities for adverse situations. Intervenes to prevent escalation of problems. May be required to use restraint or force, up to and including deadly force as deemed reasonable and necessary. Makes arrests if required and prepares incident and arrest reports.
• May be required to control and limit public access to the court facilities to reduce security risk and ensure public safety.
• Responds to alarms, bomb threats, and safety concerns and assists with building evacuation. Provide escort duties for individuals in a threatened or endangered situation. Implements first aid procedures as necessary.
• When required, calls for assistance from local law enforcement and/or emergency response units. Utilizes pagers, telephones, and portable radios to maintain communications with other security personnel and/or other agencies responding to calls for assistance. Provides aid to responding agencies as requested.
• Provides general information, direction, and assistance to the public.
• May be asked to monitor courtroom proceedings.

To view the full job classification, click here: Court Security Officer

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Work is performed in a courthouse setting and involves sitting and standing near the building entrance for the majority of the workday. Lifting of equipment, files, or exhibits weighing up to 50 lbs. is required. May be required to stand for periods of up to several hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel required to perform essential functions at various County Courthouse locations and may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily in-person interactions with Thurston County staff and the public. Danger of physical harm may be present in dealing with hostile or aggressive individuals or while escorting people in the courthouse complex and parking area. 

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two year’s law enforcement or corrections experience. 
• Graduate from a Washington State Basic or Reserve Law Enforcement Academy, Correctional Academy, or equivalent training from a certified law enforcement program; or federal law enforcement experience (e.g. Military Police) or certified as a federal law enforcement officer (e.g. FBI, DEA).
• Qualified law enforcement or correctional experience that includes a firearms program with a use of force component can be considered if it meets Washington State Criminal Justice Commission Training requirements.
• Must be able to obtain a Special Commission from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office at time of hire.
• Officers are required to provide their own weapon, which meets Thurston County Sheriff’s Office standards.
• Must be able to qualify in the use of a short firearm, with requirement to successfully re-qualify with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office annually.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to employment history, criminal history, psychological, and /or polygraph examinations. 
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License. 
• Upon hire must maintain a valid First Aid Card, including CPR with a certification in the use of the Life Pak Emergency Defibrillator.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Basic knowledge of Washington State Court procedures and functions.
• Specialized training and experience with security screening equipment: X-Ray Machines, Magnetometers, Hand-Held Metal Detectors.
• Experience with basic computer operating systems: Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Access.
• Experience in creating training programs and writing workplace policies.
• Experience supervising, leading, evaluating, motivating, training, and mentoring employees.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Justin Wilson at [email protected]

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Not eligible for benefits, unless mandated by law 
• Contingent upon passing a background investigation

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.