Assistant Jail Administrator

Job Summary

Performs skilled, administrative, corrections work in the operation, supervision, and proper functioning of the Scott County Jail. Includes responsibility for directing all activities and employees of a maximum/medium, direct supervision, adult, correctional facility. The employee is responsible for the development of facility guidelines, rules, and procedures; providing oversight of inmate and staff activities and coordinating program activities within prescribed policies and procedures of the jail department. The work may involve an element of personal danger. The employee shall exhibit and maintain knowledge and expertise in corrections law, methods, and techniques to provide quality services within the Scott County jail department.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manages and analyzes jail operations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of jail services.

• Assists establishing and communicating a strategic vision for the Scott County Jail.

• Acts with the full authority of the Jail Administrator, making decisions in their absence or when needed.

• Provides leadership and directly manages seven Corrections Sergeants who, in turn, supervise 54 Corrections Officer positions. Indirectly supervise one Licensed Sergeant overseeing seven Licensed deputies and one Nurse Supervisor supervising seven medical staff. This includes the assignment of work, review of work performed, evaluation of performance, selection, training, and disciplinary activities; conducts and oversees internal investigations when necessary and makes recommendations on disciplinary actions.

• Assists in the development and implementation of all jail department policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to all legal and regulatory mandates, and in insuring their administration.

• Helps develop job descriptions, evaluations, and makes recommendations regarding reassignments of staff to vacant positions; approves personnel activities at shift and work group levels; makes recommendations on the hiring and/or promotion of jail personnel. Oversees recruitment, retention, and hiring, focusing on a continuous hiring cycle to maintain a full staffing compliment.

• Directs and prioritizes operational activities and strategic initiatives for Scott County. Oversees crucial functions like jail security, inmate programs, community relations, and inmate health and welfare. Ensures effective staff scheduling and shift selection. 

• Coordinates complex actions between the jail, the courts, Community Corrections, medical facilities, and other correctional facilities; supports staff collaboration across departments of the Sheriff's Office. 

• Assists in the design and implementation of the jail strategic plan including overseeing the completion of annual year-end report and initiatives to address new and ongoing challenges related to both the day-to-day functioning of the jail as well as to complex, long term industry wide issues.

• Plays a pivotal role in budget preparation and management for the Scott County Jail, prioritizing funding requests and ensuring efficient resource allocation. Assists with developing and monitoring contracts and grants, ensuring compliance and optimal utilization.

• Represents the Sheriff's Office and jail to various stakeholders, to include the Scott County Board and County Administration, prepare reports and presentationsand collaborate with other county divisions to solve problems.

• Ensures effective communication across the jail, aligning team efforts with strategic objectives and compliance requirements. Create and maintain a productive work environment, collaborate with senior staff to carry out the Sheriff’s Office mission.

• Provides oversight to jail department work groups to coordinate and develop a project plan, identify comparable models/projects, to obtain desired goals of the Sheriff's Office. 

• Interprets new laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations for subordinates, reads special orders, and gives special instructions; implements practices and policy to keep jail facilities in compliance with new mandates. Formally review medical, use of force, and other incidents to ensure compliance with policies, laws, and best practices. Reviews, investigates, and responds to public complaints. Collaborates with the County Attorney’s civil staff and provides expert Jail litigation testimony.   

• Develops and executes project plans to meet Sheriff's Office goals. Reviews and modifies jail processes and workflows. Researches and recommends technology updates, conduct facility and staff inspections to ensure compliance.

• Lead the preparation for Department of Corrections inspections. Build and maintain a relationship with Minnesota Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement Unit. Liaise with state and Minnesota Sheriff’s Association Jail Administrators and contracted Jail Service providers on best practices.

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks.  Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, or related field and one year of experience as a Scott County Corrections Sergeant. One must possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent is under the general guidance and direction of the Jail Administrator. Broad discretion is used in prioritizing facility needs and procedural limitations. Work is reviewed by the Jail Administrator through observation of results, evaluation of reports submitted, and ongoing discussions. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed federal and state law and departmental policies and procedures. The incumbent works on their own initiative and has broad latitude for independent judgment. 

The employee directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The employee promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of professional standards, sound practices, and modern methods and techniques of corrections.

Knowledge of government regulations and the judicial system in regard to correctional facility operation and the treatment and care of inmates.

Knowledge of the division's organization, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of principles of administration and management and support of a direct supervision correctional facility.

Knowledge of inmate rights.

Knowledge of human behavior and effective interpersonal techniques to address varying behaviors.

Abilities – Ability to lead, plan, direct, organize, assign, supervise, and inspect the work of others.

Ability to delegate tasks and authority to the level of utmost effectiveness and efficiency.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies, including providing clear direction to others.

Ability to keep adequate records and prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to problem solve and multi-task in an environment that can be both stressful and demanding.

Ability to effectively respond both physically and mentally at levels inherent in performing the position's essential duties.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to listen, facilitate discussion, and mediate conflict.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires work in a secured jail and office setting; however, field/community work, courtroom work, and work in other settings are an ongoing part of this position. Some travel outside the county may be required. Duties involve contact with people who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, or aggressive. Work may also involve physical contact to restrain people. There is potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens through bodily fluids. Additional hazard exposure may include personal threats. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple needs/demands. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be necessary to support the 24/7/365 nature of the operation. 

Physical activities include light to medium work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, running, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, bending, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment and 75 pounds on occasional basis as necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.  Though extremely rare, one may need to exert physical/mental effort at levels necessary to restrain or control offenders. 

Emergency response includes periods of high stress and personal danger as well as high level physical exertion.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.