Salary : $117,865.28 - $143,274.56 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-T84-O
Department: Custody Bureau
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Bargaining Unit: 30

Description
Under supervision, to maintain order and security of inmates within the Sheriff's Office Correctional facility, and to transport inmates from the Sheriff's Office Correctional facilities to and from court, medical facilities, and other locations within and outside the County; to supervise a crew of inmates in work projects throughout the County.
Under the appointing authority of the Sheriff, the Sheriff's Correctional Deputy has peace officer status while assigned to a detention facility, which extends throughout California when engaged in duties described in Penal Code Section 830.1(c).

** The Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Lateral recruitment is for applicants who have experience working in another custody facility in California and would like to work for Santa Clara County's Custody Bureau. Applicants applying from CDCR should apply on the recruitment; CDCR training and certifications are not transferrable and require joining us first as a paid Cadet.
Applicants must attach the California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certificate and PC 832 Firearms and Arrest certifications. If these are not attached, the application will be delayed or rejected. After application review candidates will be invited to complete the agility test, attendance is required to advance your application.
The agility test day for this recruitment is scheduled for October 10, 2026. **

Pursuant to California Senate Bill 960, effective January 1, 2023, it is no longer required for peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; instead, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

The Correctional Cadet Recruitment is for applicants who don't meet the above requirements, but would like to begin a career in Corrections with Santa Clara County.
Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Supervises the conduct of inmates in living quarters, during meals and bathing, at recreation, and on work assignments;

• Maintains security of inmates by taking periodic counts and by surveillance of activities;

• Supervises groups of inmates assigned to the Industries, Programs, Weekend work and/or other maintenance activities and ensures that the work is performed properly;

• Inspects quarters for cleanliness and proper order and conducts cell searches and confiscates contraband;

• Books arrestees into jail, including recording custody information and inventorying personal property; orients new inmates to rules, regulations, and responsibilities;

• Releases inmates from custody on proper authority;

• Admits visitors with proper credentials within authorized regulations and advises on rules and procedures;

• Reports unauthorized absences and escapes;

• Responds to emergencies and circumstances requiring immediate attention;

• Reports infractions of rules and regulations and irregular and suspicious occurrences, and issues citations of infractions;

• Prepares written reports on the work, conduct, and habits of inmates and; writes incident logs and criminal reports;

• Transports and escorts inmates to court, between facilities, or to other locations;

• Maintains security within the correctional facilities and prevents escapes, physically restrains inmates when necessary, conducts perimeter checks of the facility, and performs headcount;

• Conducts warrant and warrantless misdemeanor or felony arrests of persons within the County's detention facilities;

• Answers inquiries concerning corrections procedures;

• Supervises inmate visitation;

• Performs business and record keeping functions, including monetary transactions, computer operations, and processing of booking files, bail/fine monies, and court paperwork;

• Participates in honor guard assignments and other community relations activities;

• Collects, organizes, interprets, and analyzes a variety of information to determine an appropriate and reasonable course of action;

• Conducts recruitments and makes other public appearances;

• Applies first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, as needed;

• Conducts recruitment background investigations;

• May provide training in various areas within the Sheriff's Office Divisions, including providing Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and/or Standard and Training for Correction (STC) to in-service personnel;

• May appear in court to testify;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note:

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or equivalent.

Special Requirements

• Applicants who have passed their 20th birthday may apply but cannot be appointed until they have reached their 21st birthday.

• Possession of a current (within the last three (3) years) California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) certificate.

• Maintain current certification in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) after appointment and for the duration of employment in the classification.

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• Possession of current certification that demonstrates successful completion of coursework fulfilling the requirements of Penal Code Section 832 Firearms and Arrest (describes course prescribed by Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training).

• California Class B driver's license may be required for some positions.

• Have never been convicted of a felony. Any felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in California is disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on the type, frequency, severity, and time of offense.

• Must be able to take and pass a thorough medical examination. May be disqualified based on established medical standards or current STC or Departmental orders.

• Must successfully pass a psychological evaluation.

• Must successfully demonstrate and maintain physical fitness to perform the full scope and functions of the job.

• Must pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprints and a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history.

• Must possess the legal right to work in the United States.

• Candidates must meet all required employment standards prescribed in Government Code Section 1031, which include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, background investigation, and medical examination.

• County employees in the Department of Correction employed as of January 1, 2011 in a similar classification will undergo an abbreviated screening process per departmental order.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• State and local laws and ordinances, including, but not limited to, those regulating the care, treatment, and custody of a diverse population of inmates, the operation of a correctional facility, and relevant sections of the Penal, Welfare and Institutions, and Business and Professions codes;

• Investigative procedures, methods, and techniques;

• Modern sociological concepts and communication skills in dealing with a diverse and ethnic population;

• Reasonable accommodations related to cognitive and physical disabilities of incarcerated individuals in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA);

• First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.);

• Common computer systems and applications;

• Course training and instruction techniques;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and apply departmental policies, rules, laws, and ordinances pertaining to the detention of inmates;

• Control, direct, and instruct inmates individually and in groups in the performance of work projects and in handling personal problems;

• Accurately observe, recall, and document inmate behavior;

• Prepare clear and concise reports;

• Communicate effectively with individuals of various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds;

• Make forcible arrests;

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions;

• Use and maintain equipment and supplies;

• Effectively handle hostile and aggressive behaviors;

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action;

• Participate in investigation of crimes, accidents, or other incidents, as needed;

• Exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful conditions;

• Perform a variety of physical tasks;

• Wear and operate equipment that may include emergency apparatus;

• Adapt to work environment;

• Work required hours and assigned shifts;

• Meet firearms qualifications, as required;

• Provide training and instruction in a variety of subjects within the Sheriff's Office;

• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Exercise sensitivity, empathy, impartiality, conscientiousness, dependability, initiative, integrity, and emotional control;

• Ability to qualify for gun-bearing assignments may be required for some positions;

• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Use computer systems and applications.

Physical Requirements

• Work varying shifts (i.e. day, swing and graveyard), including weekends and holidays.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The C