Classification Specialist I

SUMMARY

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), New Orleans, Louisiana, provides residents' care, custody, control, and rehabilitation. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and security to the court systems, the execution of court mandates, and the protection of individuals' rights and freedoms. Our Mission will be achieved through innovative leadership and programs, as well as the dedication and diligence of our employees.

 The Classification Specialist is civilian personnel assigned to the Intake and Processing division of the Orleans Justice Center.  The Classification Specialist is primarily responsible for interviewing, evaluating and assessing the needs and risks of inmates and making appropriate housing assignments for the purpose of determining an accurate classification to ensure a safe and secure environment within the jail.  It identifies the immediate needs and risks based on information staff know at intake and uses objective classification tools to determine an appropriate custody level. The position is supervised by a Classification Manager.  

 The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision and life insurance as well as dental coverage and participation in the Louisiana Sheriff’s Pension Fund. Moreover, we offer supplemental insurance coverage through various vendors.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

 Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Utilize the current Jail Management System’s (BEACON) objective classification instrument to assess, input inmate data and attachments, including criminal history and analyze all available sources of information about the inmates for the purpose of determining an accurate classification and then assigning the inmate(s) to the custody appropriate housing unit.
• Conduct face to face interviews with inmates at the initial intake and booking phase as well as within the housing units of OJC. To assess of the inmate(s) regarding safety, disability, special needs, behavior, grievance follow up issues with the primary objective, and achieving a solution to the problem or issue while maintaining all OPSO policies.
• Conduct housing unit audits consisting of inspecting, and reporting inmate’s physical location based on their assigned POD, cell and floor.
• Assess known risk factors and monitor for any change in risk status.
• Evaluate criminal history records and jail reports regarding past inmate behavior and safety concerns.
• Make appropriate housing assignment recommendations to ensure a safe and secure environment within the jail. 
• Maintain and monitor for accurate records and proper documentation. 
• Perform related clerical functions, i.e. data entry, information retrieval, filing, etc. 
• Comply with OPSO policies and procedures, as outlined in Inmate Classification.
• Prepare multi-housing move lists and communicate with sworn staff regarding inmate housing movement within the jail.
• Review inmate status regularly and reclassify as necessary.
• Perform duties related to warrant and restraining order entry and maintenance
• Create and generate reports and narratives, along with other documents that may be required by the OPSO. Classification Manager relative to the status or classification of OPSO. inmates and operations pertaining to inmates.
• Other assigned duties.
• Requirements, Skills, and Ability to: 
  •  Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (BEACON / Jail Management System) proficiency a plus, but not required.) 
  •  Ability to conduct inmate interviews tactfully and objectively to elicit the most information possible that could impact their classification or status. 
  •  Ability to work individually, as well as with others, including civilian or law enforcement personnel, or outside entities, to achieve whatever daily objectives are in place relative to the OPSO inmate population and the diverse roles and functions of the OPSO. Classification Division. 
  •  Ability to communicate effectively.                                                   
•  Job-related environmental factors: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers. phones. photocopiers. filing cabinets. and fax machines. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands and arms. The employee works inside a detention center, working besides, at times. violent, mentally ill residents. Working conditions can be highly stressful.