Sheriff's Office Detention Assistant



Sheriff's Office Detention Assistant

Salary

$48,504.67 - $58,961.14 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

21/11-3391-O

Department

Sheriff's Office (SHF)

Opening Date

11/08/2021

Closing Date

11/22/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

05

Position Information

Join the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Family - Become a Detention Assistant!

Starting salary up to $27.50/hour ($57,395/year), plus a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month* 

What We Offer
 
A career with the Sheriff's Office is anything but monotonous. When you join the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, you become part of a strong work family that makes a difference in our community. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:

  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • A cash allowance of $600/month
  • Shift work differential premium pay (5%-10%)
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • Significant portion of health care premiums paid by the County and access to several health plan options
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • County issued uniforms
  • Onsite workout facilities

Working as a Sheriff's Office Detention Assistant

Supporting law enforcement is an exciting and challenging opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment. As a Sheriff's Office Detention Assistant you will provide facility staff, visitors, inmates, and other County personnel with a variety of clerical and store-keeping services related to: maintaining the commissary, clothing issuance, laundry, courier services, and other areas in the adult detention facilities. You will also be responsible for:

  • Entering and retrieving data from electronic data processing systems
  • Placing orders and requisitions
  • Receiving, inspecting, and delivering orders and conferring with vendors
  • Performing inventories of stock and surplus property
  • Supervising inmate workers performing laundry or other work
  • Transporting minimum security inmate work crews between detention facilities.

As a condition of employment, Detention Assistants are required to undergo and maintain a Sheriff's Office background clearance, possess a valid driver's license, and:

  • Perform duties which often require the exertion of substantial physical effort
  • Lift, push, pull, carry, bend, reach, and stand for extended periods of time
  • Work day, evening, swing, and night shifts; plus weekends, holidays, and overtime
  • Carry and operate a portable radio
  • Wear a uniform and use special/protective equipment, materials, clothing, etc. as needed

Although Sheriff's Office Detention Assistants do not perform the full range of inmate supervision responsibilities that are assigned to Correctional Deputies, they are non-sworn staff who provide a variety of non-technical support services to the staff and inmates in the adult detention facilities. They are also subject to the departmental policies, including uniform requirements and standards of conduct. For more information about the services the Sheriff's Office provides our community, please visit the Sheriff's Office website.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits directory. The Civil Service title for this position is Detention Assistant.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED

Minimum Qualifications

Education: The ability to read and write English and make mathematical calculations at a level for successful job performance.

Experience: Any combination of experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, one year of experience in one, or a combination, of the following areas: storekeeping, warehousing or retail sales which included ordering, receiving, inventory, distribution and recordkeeping; transportation and delivery services; or laundry operations would provide such an opportunity. Ability to operate a personal computer and a variety of software is highly desirable.

Driver's License: Possession of a valid California license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Background Requirement: Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo an in-depth background investigation, including a criminal histories check, DMV, fingerprints, polygraph, a drug and alcohol usage questionnaire and a medical exam. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state, or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state, or in any jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in California, or are under formal probation may be subject to disqualification for this class.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: English grammar, spelling and punctuation and arithmetic; procedures and techniques of requisitioning, receiving, inventorying, stocking, issuing and delivering supplies and materials; the use of electronic information equipment; procedures, chemicals and equipment necessary to operate a high-volume laundry; safety practices and procedures related to commissary, laundry, delivery and related services; security practices within adult detention facilities.

Ability to: Effectively read and understand written and oral instructions and communicate effectively with persons of all ages and backgrounds; establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, staff, inmates, and service providers; supervise adult inmates; learn and apply departmental policies and procedures; acquire a working knowledge of the materials, supplies, services and equipment handled by the department; follow oral and written instructions and make effective decisions on routine procedural matters; perform routine arithmetic calculations; use electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department; enter data accurately; exercise judgment and discretion in analyzing and resolving problems; maintain accurate work records manually and on a computer; lift, push, bend, stoop, reach and remain standing for extended periods to perform a variety of manual activities; drive a County vehicle, such as a van or truck; while in uniform work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays in a maximum security setting with a no-hostage policy; pass a background investigation.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Many factors are taken into consideration and one should not assume a credit issue or prior drug use is automatically disqualifying. Candidates will be given the opportunity to present mitigating information they feel should be considered. You are encouraged to be as responsive as possible while this process is taking place to help expedite the timeline, and we encourage you to stay patient and interested in this great career opportunity while this process is taking place.

You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

Please read the Sheriff's Office Pre-Employment Drug Use Guidelines for further information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As the largest employer in Sonoma County, the Board of Supervisors has adopted a vaccination and testing policy to help mitigate transmission of COVID-19. All County employees will be required to either have documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on file or consent to weekly COVID-19 testing.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
 
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
 
HR Analyst: MN
HR Technician: RR

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • Craigslist Mendocino
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Diversity Jobs
  • Facebook
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Monster
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
Are you willing to undergo a thorough background investigation, which may include a review of criminal, employment, education, driving, and credit records, and an inquiry into your personal and social history, including any use of drugs and/or alcohol?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Have you reviewed and do you understand the Sheriff's Office Drug Guidelines? (Please note, if you do not have Internet access, you can request the drug standards packet from the Human Resources reception desk.)
  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you willing to work any shift assignments, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays?
  • Yes
  • No
05
As an adult, have you been convicted of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you possess a valid driver's license, equivalent to Class C or higher, as required by the State of California?
  • Yes
  • No
07
The United States Department of Justice Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 drives all efforts to combat sexual abuse and sexual misconduct in all correctional institutions. The County of Sonoma maintains a zero tolerance for sexual violence, staff sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. In accordance with PREA § 115.17, please respond to the following question. Have you:
  1. Engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution;
  2. Been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or
  3. Been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged or attempted to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse.
  • Yes
  • No
08
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers in the Sheriff's Office.

Please describe your work experience in the areas of:
  • Distributing inventory/supplies
  • Laundry operations
  • Retail sales
  • Shipping/receiving
  • Transportation and delivery services
  • Warehousing
For each position you list, include job title(s), employer's name, dates of employment (mm/yy - mm/yy), and a description of your primary duties.
09
Please describe your experience providing substantial customer service to a wide variety of people. Describe the types of customers you supported and the services or information you provided them.
10
Please describe your experience using computer database software to maintain and retrieve accurate records. List the software used an provide:
  • A brief description of the type(s) of records you maintained and retrieved
  • An explanation of how the information was reported
Please highlight if you have experience accounting for inventory.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331