Detention Specialist presso Douglas County, CO

Detention Specialist

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular 
Pay Range: $47,411.00 - 68,913.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Elected Office / Department: SHERIFF
Job Number: req2889
Closing Date: 12/31/2025

The Mission of the Detentions Division
“To protect the public and institutional safety through the incarceration of adult offenders in the Douglas County Jail while meeting statutory and constitutional standards of care and provide program opportunities intended to reduce reincarceration.”

**While the full salary range for the Detention Specialist is $47,411-$71,117 annually, generally the hiring range is $47,411-$59,264 annually. Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be taken into consideration when determining hiring salary.

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.

- Salary adjustment based on years of experience.
- This is a 24/7/365 operation- must be able to work any assigned shift.
- Use of illegal drugs (excluding marijuana) within the last three years ineligible to apply.
- Must be able to pass drug test (to include marijuana).

The role of Detentions Specialist is an integral part of the successful and safe operations at the Douglas County Jail. All training, uniforms and equipment is provided. Come and be a part of building a great team. Some examples of the duties and responsibilities are listed below:
- Operates a wide variety of jail facility security and safety devices  
- Communicate by using the computer, telephone, two-way radio, and intercom systems
- Monitor and record inmate access and movement to and from the housing units, visiting areas, recreational areas and booking
- Observe Deputy movement in the housing units to ensure safety and security from central control and other assigned duty posts
- Maintain inventory and key control
- Generate various reports using a Jail Management System.  
- Duties involve, some direct contact with inmates and the public, as well as contact with Sheriff's Office employees, public officials, medical and legal professionals.
- Process the booking in and release of inmates.
- Take fingerprints and photos of inmates as they are being processed into the facility. 
- Responsible for notification of appropriate assistance in the event of a major incident, to include total responsibility for the operation of jail and all communications until relief is possible.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Minimum Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid Colorado Driver’s License.
- Entry-level computer skills. 
- Ability to pass qualifying physical exams, polygraph, psychological and background investigation
- Ability to multitask.
- Ability to deal with confidential information.  
- Ability to think and react appropriately under emergency conditions with little or no supervision. 
- Ability to relate in an effective, calm, and professional manner with inmates who may be highly agitated and undergoing a life crisis. 
- Must be willing to work rotating shifts and days off.  

Shifts are:

Day Shift, Power Shift or Night Shift. 

4 consecutive 10 hour shifts, with 3 days off each week. 

These shifts are based on seniority/bid process.  You may remain on your assigned shift for approximately one year, based on the needs of the office. Overtime may be required.

These job functions are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions.  This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required.  In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.