Detention Division Chief en City of Alpharetta, GA

About the Department

Under administrative direction of the Police Chief, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations in managing the daily operations at the Alpharetta City Jail; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Police Chief.

Position Duties

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.   The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate.
• Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; informs personnel of changes in laws, rules, policies, and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; recommends or administers discipline for violations of rules/regulations.
• Enforces and oversees enforcement of all applicable rules and regulations of the jail; ensures safety and security of the general public, facility staff, and inmates.
• Assists with preparation of long range and short term management plan for assigned section; interprets/implements standard operating procedures, rules and regulations, policies and procedures; prepares division goals and objectives and evaluates progress made toward achievement of goals and objectives; identifies areas requiring improvement and formulates and executes action plan to correct deficiencies.
• Assists supervisors with operational plans and personnel problems in order to meet departmental goals and in complying with directives and standard rules and regulations; facilitates development of and implements policies and procedures; establishes goals for employees; instructs and directs subordinates regarding proper procedures and protocol of the department; ensures compliance with guidelines and departmental regulations.
• Supervises and manages operations of Jail Division, as assigned; observes and monitors the jail; coordinates procedures for intake and release of inmates; coordinates the posting and review of inmates' sentences for accuracy; ensures proper care of inmates, including medical care, food services, etc.; supervises and coordinates building maintenance activities.
• Participate in community outreach programs and collaborate with law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions. 
• Collects and organizes statistical data to analyze and prepare charts, forecasts, and reports; identifies patterns and trends in criminal activity and problem areas within the jail; develops and implements enforcement strategies; reviews and analyzes action plan.
• Establishes positive public relations; responds to questions, complaints and requests for
• information/assistance from the general public, news media, court and medical personnel, attorneys, inmates, officers, various agencies, employees, officials, supervisors, or other individuals; prepares for and grants media interviews; attends community meetings.
• Inventories supplies and equipment; orders and maintains sufficient amount to ensure adequate units are available to perform daily tasks; accounts for gear and equipment issued to subordinates; reviews and approves requisitions for recommended equipment, uniforms, materials, and supplies based on approved budget allocations and control guidelines.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including policies and procedures, training reports, activity reports and budget documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including position papers, briefing reports, performance appraisals and operational plans; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with City officials, supervisor, other employees, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Attends various jail management conferences and seminars to keep abreast of new trends in jail management as may be required to improve the management of the Jail Division’s facilities and employees.  
• Assists with other departments and other agencies in emergency disaster and preparedness planning.
• Conducts public presentations before the City Council, civic groups, and other community organizations, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive jail administration program. 
• Knowledge of inmate rights.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of jail security principles.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of jail administration, organization, and management.
• Methods and techniques of public relations. 
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. 
• Recent court decisions and how they affect department operations.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. 
• Functions and objectives of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

• Manage and direct a comprehensive jail administration program.
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures. 
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments. 
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs. 
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff. Interpret, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations. 
• Analyze complex jail administration issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement sound solutions. 
• Make adjustments to standard operating procedures as necessary to improve organizational effectiveness. 
• Delegate authority and responsibility. 
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. 
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports. 
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets. 
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the general public. 
• Meet standards for physical endurance, agility, health and vision. 
• Act quickly and calmly in emergencies. 
• Facilitate group participation and consensus building. 
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in thecourse of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

Required:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminology, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, or related field. 
• Five years of related experience required to include two years of supervisory experience in jail or prison operations, and experience in planning, budget, personnel, and report preparation
• Must possess and maintain Basic Jail Officer Certification in addition to CPR and First Aid. 
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia Certified Jailer
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record are conditions of initial and continued employment.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment.  Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils.  Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards.  Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment. 

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.

The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.  All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.