DETENTION OFFICER (UNCERTIFIED)

DETENTION OFFICER (UNCERTIFIED)

Salary

$46,022.13 - $50,624.34 Annually

Location

212 Deming Way, Summerville, SC 29483, SC

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

02479

Department

DETENTION & CORRECTIONS

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS ONCE CERTIFIED. This position is eligible for employee referral incentive.

The base annual wage is generated from a base hourly rate of $22.13 per hour under the standard shift schedule of 12.5 hours worked. Built in overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours. Additional overtime opportunities for shift coverage may be available per departmental policy. These opportunities would provide pay in excess of the base annual wage.

The purpose of this position is to provide for the safety of staff and inmates and the security of the detention facility; to supervise inmate activities; and to perform related corrections and law enforcement work as assigned. This position works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Duties

ESSSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintains the security and safety of the detention facility, inmates and staff through implementation of established policies and procedures.
• Interviews detainees to ascertains if detainee has a bond hearing; and checks rap sheets to see where detainee needs to be housed. May reclassify detainee housing if there are issues.
• Monitors jail access and egress.
• Monitors security cameras, closed circuit TV system, alarm systems, automated locking systems and other specialized security equipment.
• Processes and books inmates; searches, photographs and fingerprints inmates; secures inmates' property; and issues supplies.
• Supervises meals, visitation, recreation and exercise, educational activities, telephone privileges, counseling, court visits, movement within the facility, and medical attention; conducts head counts regularly.
• Maintains control of assigned work crews.
• Ensures that inmates are provided with appropriate sanitary conditions, clothing and supplies; administers First Aid as required.
• May assist with processing indigent envelopes as needed; obtaining supplies as needed; and delivering inmate mail.
• Patrols facility to ensure security; inspects locking and security devices and doors for proper working condition.
• Routinely searches inmates, cells, kitchen and other inmate-accessible areas for contraband and other safety and security hazards.
• Observes and maintains orderly conduct among inmate population; subdues unruly or violent individuals; responds to emergency situations on jail property; and investigates incidents, crimes, disputes, abuse of drugs, etc., among inmates and detainees.
• Processes inmates for release as ordered.
• Transports inmates to court or to other facilities as required.
• Completes and maintains required paperwork.
• Performs custodial and general maintenance of jail facility and equipment.
• Communicates with law enforcement personnel, probation and parole officers, court personnel, victim advocates, attorneys, volunteers, clergy, medical care practitioners and others regarding individual cases.
• Performs special duties or completes special projects as assigned.
• Receives and responds to citizens' inquiries, concerns and complaints concerning detention facility activities.
• May be on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

SENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.

Special Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must be able to obtain SC Detention Officer Certification within one year.
• Minimum age of 18 required for position.
• May require additional professional or technical certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Sheriff.
• Must meet other requirements as set forth in applicable South Carolina statutes and regulations.

Additional Requirements

Dorchester County (Sheriff)has the right to revise this job description at any time.

This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position; typical work hours are 12.25-hour shifts. The Detention Center operates 24 hours per day; 7 days a week including holidays. Employees must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays during emergencies or as requested. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing.

E.O.E. Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.

For more information on Dorchester County Government please view the information below:

https://www.dorchestercounty.net/index.aspx?page=227

Benefits for County Employees

County Employees may be eligible for a variety of State benefits associated with their employment. From a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, to generous annual and sick leave policies, to a solid and secure retirement system.

Healthcare Benefits

(Full-time employees)

Dorchester County is a part of the State Benefits Program. The State program offers its employees a comprehensive health and dental program, along with a wide array of supplemental insurance programs. South Carolina has long been committed to providing its employees the best possible insurance benefits at the greatest possible value. Weve maintained that commitment, too, even in the face of healthcare costs that continue to soar. You may refer to the link for more information.

www.eip.sc.gov/

Retirement Benefits

In addition to our health and dental insurance programs, all county employees are a part of the South Carolina Retirement System. These programs are designed to help provide county employees secure retirement alternatives that will best meet their needs. You may refer to the link for more information.

http://www.retirement.sc.gov/

Workplace Benefits

In addition, county employees may be eligible for other benefits, such as holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.

Note: The above benefits are available to most county employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or none of these benefits based on the benefits associated with each position. For these positions, please contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available for the particular position.

01

The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers or copy and paste the same answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or a GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Detention Officer positions require candidates to be at least 18 years of age. Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you be able to obtain SC Officer Certification with one year?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

06

Please provide the state issuing your drivers license and your drivers license number.

07

If you do not have a valid drivers license, will you be able to obtain one if required for the position?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess and able to maintain a Basic Jail Officer certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy? If yes, please apply under certified Detention Deputy post.

• Yes
• No

09

You will be required to pass extensive background check including: No Criminal History, Nelson Denny Exam (Score 96), Interview, Polygraph Exam, Psychological Exam, Physical Exam, Physical Agility Test. Do you believe you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

10

Work History: Do not put "see resume" for any section other than a description of duties. List work history including part-time, temporary, self-employment and military service beginning with your most current/present employer. You may also list verifiable volunteer experience as well. Please provide ten years work history or unemployed history. I have read and have complied.

• Yes
• No

11

Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.

• Yes
• No

12

Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States?

• Yes
• No

13

Have you ever been employed by Dorchester County? What department and timeframe. This information must be reflected on application.

• Yes
• No

14

Please provide current address and number of years at this location. Your current and previous addresses should cover 10 years.

15

Please provide residence previous address and years at this location.

16

Previous residence #2

17

Previous residence #3

18

You are required to reflect all education on this application. Have you completed this portion of the application?

• Yes
• No

19

Are you currently enrolled in a college or university?

• Yes
• No

20

If you, please state your major/minor.

21

Do you currently owe any student loans?

• Yes
• No

22

Are you in default?

• Yes
• No

23

Have you ever received a written reprimand from any of your employers? To include tardiness, misconduct or policy violation(s)?

• Yes
• No

24

If yes, please explain:

25

Have you ever been involved in conflict with another employee or Supervisor?

• Yes
• No

26

If yes, please explain:

27

Have you ever been the subject of any internal investigation?

• Yes
• No

28

If yes, please explain:

29

Are there any charges currently pending against you?

• Yes
• No

30

Have you ever released confidential information from your employer to any unauthorized personnel that were not permitted to receive that information?

• Yes
• No

31

Have you ever used illegal drugs or substances, to include marijuana or THC? Please explain.

32

Have you ever used prescription narcotics that were not prescribed to you? Please explain.

33

Have the police ever been called to your home for any reason? Please explain.

34

Are you able to provide certified ten-year drivers history and possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

35

Are you willing to work any shift, days, nights, weekends and holidays, and any location either St. George or Summerville, SC?

• Yes
• No

36

Are you willing to work on-call shift as needed?

• Yes
• No

37

Please acknowledge that you understand that a "WAIVER AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" will be required for this position which will be shared with you if selected for an interview.

• Yes
• No

38

Please indicate employees name if you heard about this opening through an employee. This answer must match question above -"How did you hear about this vacant position".

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Dorchester County

Address 201 Johnston Street

St. George, South Carolina, 29477

Phone 843-832-1640

Website http://www.dorchestercountysc.gov