Inmate Classification Specialist

• This is a full-time position; Salary range is $49,152.78 - $82,348.05 per year

• Assess inmates and determines proper custody level, presenting risk factors, violence potential, special needs, program needs and life safety issues; conducts assessments through face-to-face interviews, review of official records, data bases, and contacts with other professionals to ascertain prior and present in-custody behavior, criminal history, current offense information, and special needs factors such as medical and mental health. 

• Evaluate criminal history records and jail reports regarding past inmate behavior and safety concerns.

• Assess known risk factors and monitor for any change in risk status. 

• Make appropriate housing assignment recommendations to ensure a safe and secure environment within the jail. 

• Maintain accurate records for proper documentation and classification system monitoring. 

• On a consistent basis assess total number of inmates awaiting a classification interview; contact other jails to obtain bed availability; interview all inmates in isolation tanks as soon as possible; determine how many females need to be classified; coordinate with other classification counselors on prioritizing the workload; monitor incoming calls and resolve problems; review all sentenced inmates for classification and perform transfer entry into OMS to appropriate jails. 

• All Special Housing requires a review of classification files; must meet with inmates on a daily basis; research data to determine if inmate's housing is still appropriate.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Work environment is within the correctional facility. Standard work week and hours are normal, but minor altercations should be expected.  

• Perform any other related duties as required by the Norfolk Sheriff's Office. 

• Completion of the requirements for graduation from a four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice. Qualifying experience may be substituted for the educational requirement. 

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, working with law enforcement, courts, and local governments. Dealing with inmates in need of mental health and medical services. 

• For civilian applicants, a valid driver's license is preferred; however, in lieu of a valid driver's license, civilian applicants must have a valid state identification card. Should an essential function of the job present a need for the civilian employee to operate a city vehicle, a valid driver's license from their legal state of residency will be required. 

• Knowledge of correctional operations and the rehabilitation techniques and programs utilized in the field.  

• Work requires the ability to read forms, documents, and policy and procedures of the Norfolk Sheriff's Office. 

• Ability to perform general math calculations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 

• Ability to write notes, reports and fill out paperwork. 

• Professional attitude with personnel and the general public. 

• Contact with others within and outside the Norfolk Sheriff's Office. These contacts may involve outside organizations and similar work units or organizations within the Norfolk's Sheriff's Office in the day-to-day operations. A professional and courteous demeanor should be adhered to at all times. 

The following will cause the processing of the applicant to be immediately discontinued:

• Criminal Record:
  • Conviction of any felony.
  • Conviction of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance (within three (3) years).
  • Conviction of any charge of domestic assault or violence against a family member.
  • Conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (i.e., larceny, embezzlement, perjury, etc.).
  • Any misdemeanor sex offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia, another state or the United States.
    
    
• Driving Record:
  • Current driver’s license suspension.
  • Driver’s license suspension within the last twelve (12) months.
  • Conviction of a misdemeanor hit and run.
  • Extensive traffic violation convictions exceeding minus five (-5) DMV demerit points.
    
    
• Drug Usage:
  • Use of heroin, cocaine, or illegal hallucinogen within the past five (5) years
  • Use of heroin by injection at any time.
  • Any substantiated illegal act other than use (i.e., sale, manufacture, etc.) of any narcotic, controlled substance, or dangerous drug, as defined by State and Federal Law, except marijuana.