Detention Officer

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on December 31, 2025. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on December 31, 2025.Job Title:  Detention OfficerDepartment: SheriffExternal Hiring Range: $27.09 - $29.27Posted Internally and Externally

An employee in this position is responsible for performing a variety of duties pertaining to the safety and security of detainees in the custody of the Buncombe County Detention Facility.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Admits detainees to the County Detention Facility; searches and processes detainees; and advises detainees of all facility rules and regulations. 

• Conducts supervision rounds and inspects cells and common areas to ensure cleanliness and sanitation; supervises detainees engaged in daily cleaning of the housing unit and other activities.

• Coordinates weekly visits for detainees; documents detainee movement as well as conducting searches of detainees and property for contraband; checks outgoing mail for contraband. 

• Supervises detainees during the administration of medicines and sick call by medical staff; notifies medical staff of emergencies and oversees the general welfare of detainees. 

• Conducts supervision rounds to ensure the safety and security of the facility.  

• Maintains various forms and completes computer entries to update and document the detainees file while in custody.

• Performs other related duties as assigned within the detention facility.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

High School diploma or equivalent. Must be 20 years of age.
 

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: 

• The North Carolina Sheriff's Training and Standards Commission requires that you are certified as a detention officer within a year. This training is approximately 5 weeks with pay.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Typical Work Schedule:

• Adheres to the assigned work schedule as outlined in the Sheriff’s Office and County attendance policies and procedures.

• The Detention Facility is a 24/7 operation and as such persons must be able to work various shift assignments, including night shift.

• Typical shift will be 12 hours with a compensated lunch break.

• Regular, predictable attendance is essential

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of practices and procedures involved in detainee management. 

• Knowledge of local laws, ordinances and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment and confinement of inmates. 

• Ability to maintain discipline and order of detainees. 

• Ability to maintain accurate records. 

• Ability to maintain courteous and tactful relationships with families of detainees, attorneys, ministers and other persons concerned with the welfare of individual inmates. 

• Ability to take prompt and effective action during detention facility emergencies.

In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.