Walton County Sheriff's Office - Detention Deputy Pool

Position Summary

The Detention Deputy performs work of average difficulty in the care, custody, control, and welfare of inmates detained at the Walton County Jail. This position involves supervising inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, conducting searches, maintaining security, and ensuring the cleanliness and order of assigned areas. The Detention Deputy works assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to respond to duties on other shifts as needed. The role requires independent judgment and initiative in routine and emergency situations, including the handling of special risk or high-risk inmates.

Qualifications 

• Education – High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 19 years of age
• Valid Driver License
• Certifications – Meet requirements and standards of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13

Essential Job Functions

This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Supervise, control, and maintain the care, custody, and safety of inmates within the detention facility.
• Enforce Florida Model Jail Standards, Sheriff’s Office rules, General Orders, and standard operating procedures in all correctional operations.
• Apply modern correctional principles and practices in daily activities and inmate interactions.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations, including medical, security, or behavioral incidents.
• Administer or assist with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency medical interventions as required.
• Observe inmate behavior and facility conditions to identify potential issues, including security risks, contraband, or violations.
• Conduct searches, inspections, and security checks to maintain order and prevent escapes or contraband.
• Carry out oral and written instructions accurately and effectively.
• Work collaboratively with other detention staff, law enforcement personnel, and community partners.
• Enforce departmental rules and policies with firmness, tact, and impartiality while interacting courteously with inmates and the public.
• Operate and maintain detention equipment, devices, and tools safely and effectively.
• Adhere to ethical standards, integrity, and comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of new personnel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of Florida Model Jail Standards, General Orders, and Sheriff’s Office standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of modern correctional principles, practices, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
• Skill in observation, communication, and decision-making under pressure.
• Skill in the proper use and maintenance of restraint devices, radios, and other detention-related equipment.
• Skill in maintaining accurate documentation, logs, and reports.
• Ability to enforce facility rules and policies with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Ability to remain alert and responsive during extended periods of duty.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral or security concerns.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-stress or hostile environments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act and uphold the standards of honesty and integrity.

Key Competencies

• Judgment & Decision-Making: Demonstrates sound judgment when responding to inmate behavior, emergencies, and facility operations.
• Integrity & Ethics: Maintains the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct in all duties.
• Stress Tolerance: Remains calm, focused, and effective in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Situational Awareness: Maintains continuous awareness of inmate activity, surroundings, and potential security threats.
• Communication: Clearly and effectively communicates with supervisors, inmates, and other staff, both verbally and in writing.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Cooperates with co-workers and other divisions to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations.
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to changes in schedules, duties, or operational procedures.
• Leadership: Provides appropriate direction and guidance when assisting or training others.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates a respectful, composed, and impartial demeanor at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Requires satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE form CJSTC 75A, agency medical physical clearance form, and the following:
  • Visual Acuity: 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye.
  • Hearing Acuity: Single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels at either 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz frequencies in each ear.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal voice range and those transmitted by radio and sirens.
• Ability to maintain a level of physical conditioning necessary to physically subdue and restrain inmates.
• Ability to meet the physical conditioning requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, A.S.P., tactical driving).
• Ability to render physical assistance to staff, visitors, or inmates in emergency situations.
• Ability to wear and use a Scott Air Pack on the back, weighing approximately 30 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs while carrying a 12-gauge shotgun on a sling (approx. 8 lbs.) or a Scott Air Pack.
• Ability to operate an authorized revolver or semi-automatic handgun designated by the agency from standing, crouching, kneeling, or prone positions with either hand, maintaining accuracy under various lighting conditions.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner, if required.
• Ability to perform all functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of self or others in the workplace.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.