Detention Officer

Detention Officer - Gwinnett, Hall & Barrow Counties
Position Summary

Detention Officers help keep the facility safe, organized, and respectful. In this role, you’ll maintain the custody, care, and control of detainees while consistently enforcing company and contracting-agency rules, policies, and procedures. This is a team environment where professionalism, cultural respect, and clear communication are non-negotiable.

Commitment and communications are essential character traits for this position. Detention Officers are expected to show up on time, every time —shift coverage is mission-critical in a detention setting. You’ll also need strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear, objective reports and document events accurately in a detention management software system .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor detainee activity in living units, recreation areas, dining areas, and visitation areas.
• Coordinate and monitor detainee movement; conduct counts; respond to emergencies as required.
• Work a variety of posts based on operational needs, which may include: control room, front/sally port entrance, health services, special housing, perimeter security, transportation, work details, reception/intake, and visitation.
• Provide security for program activities and supervise labor crews and work details across the facility.
• Conduct searches/shakedowns for contraband (individually or as part of a team) and confiscate items in accordance with facility and contracting-agency policy.
• Initiate disciplinary reports when required and document incidents objectively.
• Prepare shift reports, maintain daily logs, and record required information in the detention management software with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure detainees receive prompt and appropriate assistance in the event of injury, illness, or trauma.
• Support facility cleanliness and report maintenance needs and safety hazards promptly.
• Serve on special teams that respond to emergencies as required.
• Complete required training and maintain compliance with facility training standards.
• Work any shift assigned, including overtime, based on management needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Requirements

What We Expect (Professionalism, Culture, Communication)

• Maintain a professional, calm, and respectful presence—even in high-pressure situations.
  
• Treat all individuals fairly and respectfully, including coworkers and detainees from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.
  
• Communicate clearly and confidently over radio, phone, and face-to-face, and write reports that are accurate, objective, and complete.
  
• Be dependable and punctual. Late arrivals disrupt security coverage and impact the entire team.
  
• Use technology confidently—especially for documentation in detention management systems.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Prior Corrections or Detention experience preferred.
  
• Education & Training: High school diploma or equivalent required. College coursework or advanced training in corrections, behavioral sciences, or a related field preferred; training in cultural diversity/sensitivity is a plus.
  
• Work Autorization: must meet all applicable state requirements for employment.
  
• Overtime: Ability to work overtime as required, including extended hours.
  
• Ability to manage the physical and mental demands of the position and remain alert on any assigned shift.
  
• May be required to possess a valid state driver’s license.
  
• Must demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and the ability to earn respect and maintain control in a structured environment.
  
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  

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Benefits

Starting Pay is $21.00 + Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Vision Insurance

as well as a long list of other optional benefits.