Detention Officer Pool - 2026

Detention Officer Pool - 2026

Salary

$49,815.58 - $57,521.78 Annually

Location

400 West Washington Street Greensboro, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

03893

Department

Law Enforcement

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

12/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community supported by Quality Government

Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs specialized inmate detention and care work in one of two county detention facilities in the Guilford County Sheriffs Department.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs inmate intake, detention, care, and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the cell and detention facility and related care and record keeping requirements. Patience and firmness are required in frequent contacts with violent, suicidal, and mentally disturbed detainees. The employee is subject to a hazardous and confining working environment. Work is performed under the general supervision and is evaluated by review of inmate records and activity reports, during formal discussion, and by observation.

Examples of Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Receives inmates by conducting search, completing required intake forms, photographing and fingerprinting the individual, securing all personal property, and dressing out inmate in detention attire.
• Acts as a booking officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary intake forms, classifying inmates and assigning appropriate cell location, and maintaining inmate count and cell locations.
• Oversees the security and activities of inmates on an assigned floor; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; transports inmates for interviews, court, or release; monitors inmates medical status and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected; supervises the purchase and distribution of snack items and cigarettes.
• Provides non-confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel over the phone and in person; maintains files on inmates; searches incoming property delivered for inmates to determine if it is allowable; verifies visitors acceptance by inmate, notifies the floor officer of visitor, records time and date of visits; prepares court dockets and pulls court releases.
• Releases inmates on bond, due to court order or to time served; ensures release papers are proper and complete; returns all personal property to the individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release.
• Supervises trustees cleaning and maintaining detention facilities and fixtures, doing inmate laundry, and receiving and storing supplies.
• Prepares food and maintains facilities as required.
• Performs related work as required.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to inmate sentencing, pretrial conditions, and release.
• Working knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a hazardous and confining working environment.
• Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation or equivalent and demonstrated work experience to perform job duties, such as experience in local or federal detention or correction centers, military police, or other law enforcement settings or other similar work settings, OR, graduation from an associate degree program with emphasis in corrections or criminal justice or related field, OR, graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

Note: Applicants must attach a copy conferred degree or an unofficial transcript to their application before submitting. Failure to include this documentation may result in the delay of your application process. An official transcript will be required no later than the date of hire.

You can easily determine whether you meet the Guilford County Sheriff's Office's illegal drug policy by answering the following questions:

• Have you used marijuana at all within the last year?
• Have you used any other illegal drug (including anabolic steroids) at all in the past 10 years?
• Have you ever sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported any illegal drug?
• Have you ever used any prescription drug or used a legally obtainable substance in a manner for which it was not intended within the past three years (36 months)?
• If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, you are not suitable for employment with the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. *

Special Requirement

Must meet minimum standards set by State of North Carolina for detention officers.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

An employee in this position must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Additionally, the employee must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects. The employee is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid drivers license and that the driving record is compatible with the countys driving criteria.

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford Countys vehicle use policy.

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.

Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.

We are excited about the opportunity of having you as a prospective new employee!

You probably already know our county is a wonderful county to live in, but did you know it is also a wonderful place to work?

Below are a few of the reasons why we love working for Guilford County.

We offer Health Insurance (UnitedHealthCare) to all benefitted employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The shared cost of the premium is based on scheduled/budgeted hours. If you are a full-time employee working 40 hours a week you can expect to pay less than $35 a month for medical coverage, dental coverage for $4 a month and vision coverage for $5 a month. Thats less than $45 a month for medical, dental & vision coverage; thats unheard of.

Telehealth UHC Virtual Visits are available to you with no copay or out of pocket expense.

We are excited to inform you Guilford County has an Employee Wellness Center (24/7 access) with strength training equipment, cardio machines and a group exercise room with virtual or in person coaching from our Wellness Specialist!

Employee Assistance Program, 100% funded by the county. A superb benefit for you and your family absolutely free. Confidential help with personal or work-related issues.

13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 12 vacation days a year. Thats 37 paid days a year, totaling almost 2 months of paid time off.

Employer contributes 5% into your 401(k) - no match required.

Enrollment in the State Retirement Plan by contributing 6%.

Longevity pay beginning at five years of service.

We provide a $10,000 Life and AD&D benefit to eligible employees.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside tax-free dollars for health care and dependent care.

Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.

01

Are you at least 20 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you attached a conferred degree or an unofficial transcript to your application? Please note that an official transcript will be required no later than the date of hire. Failure to include the required documentation may result in delays to your application process.

• Yes, I have attached a copy of my conferred degree or unofficial transcript.
• No, I have not attached a copy of my conferred degree or unofficial transcript.
• N/A (Not Applicable)

Required Question

Employer Guilford County

Address 201 S Greene Street

Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401-6417

Phone 3366413763

Website https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/