Services Technician - Detention Center

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• The Detention Services Technician is responsible for the collection and limited verification of detainee information necessary to record all commitments and discharges of persons delivered to the custody of the Lea County Detention Center. The detention services technician enters and updates information in a computer system, completes detention and court documents and itemizes and verifies prisoner personal property inventory and cash.
• Provides or refers information about detainees and detainee activities within the detention center. Exchanges information as needed with law enforcement representatives, court personnel, attorneys and members of the public in accordance with departmental policy and within the limits of established guidelines.
• Booking and release of detainees. Create and/or retrieve electronic and physical files daily in a high volume setting and accurately add or update file information on all changes in status of an incarcerated person such as transfer, court, release or change in charges. Pulls manual file jacket when assigned for use in the court update and transfer process. Maintains accurate manual or electronic notes and documentation. Follows established departmental policy on review of documents and records for accuracy.
• Compare information collected with independent and/or file documentation and reports discrepancies to the booking officers, daily for resolution to ensure the accuracy of records and proper identification of prisoners.
• Conducts searches of electronic databases to research records on previous criminal conviction history, arrests or warrants. Updates electronic or manual records as needed to maintain accurate information needed by courts, law enforcement staff and the District Attorney's staff. Follows established procedures and uses appropriate computer and record keeping codes to record all information in manual electronic records.
• Accurately count money, balance detainee intake deposits and release disbursements daily.
• Accurately complete an inventory of prisoner personal property daily. Documents items of small personal property received from incarcerated persons at time of booking. Places property in container marked for identification purposes for storage. Enters information regarding small property storage into records.
• Exchanges information as needed with law enforcement representatives, court personnel, attorneys and members of the public in accordance with departmental policy and within the limits of established guidelines.
• Answer telephone requests from the public and other agencies daily to provide public services and information concerning detention intake and release records.
• Ensure oral and written directives, policy and procedures of the Lea County Detention Center are consistently and uniformly applied and reflect actual practice and current operating needs.
• Observes and assesses situations in and around booking area on an ongoing basis, paying special attention to any health, safety or emergency situation. Takes appropriate action to prevent or resolve any potential problems or safety issues. Contacts supervisor, emergency medical personnel or deputies as needed to respond to situations.
• The duties and tasks of the Detention Services Technician are not limited to those listed above. Employee will perform functions, duties or assignments as directed by the Records Supervisor, Business Operations Manager, Assistant Director or Director consistent with ability and expertise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Two years' experience in an increasingly responsible position in an administrative or public safety setting preferred.

Certifications, Skills and Licenses:

• Valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Ability to follow and provide effective communication verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency using the full suite of Microsoft Office technologies, Zoom and other virtual platform conferencing technologies.
• Ability to recognize, maintain, and work with confidential information. Ability to utilize discretion and independent judgment. Ability to maintain confidentiality of detainees and records at all times.
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to learn the detention emergency plans and communicate with staff and detainees as recommended and outlined in the detention emergency plans which consist of emergency lock downs, escapes, mass arrests, natural disasters, hostage situations, loss of power and water, medical emergencies, and work stoppages.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to provide clear, concise, correct, and complete incident reports in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to detainee sentencing, pretrial conditions and release.

Physical Functions/Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to perform essential duties and fulfill professional and administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to travel as necessary to trainings, conferences, meetings, and other events; and to maintain a flexible work schedule that could routinely and will require early mornings and/or late evening work commitments.

Mental Functions/Requirements:

• Must be able to understand and follow oral directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read, understand and follow written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to give oral and written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read and understand such items as contracts, grants, project guidelines, financial reports and similar documents.
• Must be able to write such items as letters, reports, grant applications, performance evaluations and similar documents using proper format and grammar.
• Must be able to plan and direct own work activities as well as those of others in an efficient manner.
• Must be able to effectively safeguard confidential information.
• Must be able to use tact and courtesy in working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, sometimes under tense circumstances.
• Must demonstrate sufficient and adequate mental and emotional stability in order to meet the rigors of a supervisory position.
• Must be knowledgeable of relevant traffic laws and regulations.

Other:

• Ability to perform essential duties and adapt to working conditions.
• No history or pattern of reckless driving, DWI or irresponsible driving in the last five years.
• No history of felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, violence, distribution of controlled substances, or dishonesty.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative but not necessarily exhaustive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Performs work mainly indoors.
• Normally is not exposed to temperature extremes, noise factors, vibrations, except those associated with normal operation of office equipment or vehicle.
• Works primarily on even carpeted or tiled surfaces which are normally dry. May on occasion be wet or slippery.
• May be required to use stairs, elevator or escalator during performance of essential duties. Exposed to normal driving hazards.
• Work is primarily conducted during daylight hours; however, employee is subject to call out at any time.
• May work alone with or without direction, or with one or more people in a select group. May on occasion work with a large group.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Interview; may involve an interview panel.
• Criminal record check.
• General employment background check.
• Driving record check.
• Alcohol/drug screen; positive results are disqualifying.