Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide security services from an assigned post of a detention centre. Responsible for the security of the visiting and main entrance areas of the institution of a maximum security Detention Centre.

Duties / Responsibilities :

In a large maximum security detention centre with remanded and sentenced male and female offenders, the incumbent requires:

• Working at an assigned post which controls access into and out of the facility by monitoring security doors via an electronic control panel; verifying that people entering and leaving area are properly identified by checking identification and documents; performing reception duties by receiving calls and visitors, and directing same to appropriate areas; enforcing and advising visitors of facility rules and procedures, e.g. visiting hours, money left for offenders.

• Maintaining ongoing surveillance of the facility through closed circuit security monitors; observing for irregularities affecting security and safety; contacting fire and emergency services as per facility procedures as requested.

• Receiving money for offenders and issuing receipts.

• Screen offender incoming mail by reading letters and documents, distribute appropriately.

• Respond to questions and provide information to the public or refer them as appropriate.

• Organize and assign professional visitors and direct them to appropriate areas of the institution. to interview rooms.

• Organize offender visits.

• Organize and arrange offender clothing exchanges in consultation with the Admitting & Discharge Department.

• Notify the Operational Manager immediately in the event of security breakdowns, problems or irregularities within the visiting area.

• Other duties as assigned.

Staffing and Licensing :

N/A

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of facility policies and procedures and related legislation to control access to a detention centre; to release information when responding to inquiries.

Job requires knowledge of safety and security procedures in order to participate in responses to emergencies, e.g. fire, medical emergencies and evacuation.

Skills :

Job requires analytical and problem solving skills to assess breaches of safety/security when observing security monitors/panels and to decide if intervention is required.

Job requires evaluation skills when determining legitimacy of visitor identification for access to institution and when providing information in response to visitor/telephone inquiries.

Job requires oral communication skills to convey facts and information, e.g., explaining institution rules/procedures to visitors, and when responding to telephone inquires.

Job requires written communication skills to write reports, e.g., occurrence reports, and to maintain logs.

Job requires tact and diplomacy when clarifying institution rules or providing information in response to telephone or visitor inquires.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires performing tasks in compliance with facility policies and procedures, security practices and procedures, and related legislation to control access to a detention centre; to release information when responding to inquires; and to respond to breaches of safety or security. Job requires seeking advice/ guidance/direction from an operational or business manager for situations not covered by institution standing orders, policies and procedures. Work is reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the shift.