Detention Processing Technician
Salary - $54,953.60 - $67,579.20 Annually
Location - County of San Diego, CA
Job Type - Regular - Full time
Job Number - 25300207
Department - Sheriff
Division - Detention Oper Area 3
Opening Date - 07/22/2025
Closing Date - 8/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
The County of San Diego is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
DETENTION PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
Apply today if you are interested in working in the criminal justice system interpreting court and other legal documents!
FUTURE SALARY INCREASE
** June 2026 – 4.70% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.20% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 4.20% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board + 1.20% Market Adjustment)
Detentions Processing Technicians play a vital role in the criminal justice system, overseeing the intake and release of incarcerated individuals while maintaining up-to-date custody records. They interpret complex legal documents, calculate time served based on local and state sentencing guidelines, and conduct in-person interviews to collect essential personal information. These employees regularly interact with courts, attorneys, investigators, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.In addition, they utilize electronic databases to research criminal histories, including prior convictions, arrests, and outstanding warrants—ensuring thorough and informed information is complete and up-to-date.
Detention Processing Technicians work in a locked County detention facility that is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Applicants must be willing to work any and rotating shifts, on holidays or weekends. The current vacancy is at the San Diego Sheriff's Office.
For more information about this job classification, CLICK HERE.
The ideal candidate is a skilled professional with strong communication abilities with a commitment to customer service. They show respect for others, strive for excellence, and thrive in team environments that value collaboration and ongoing learning. With a strong sense of ethics and reliability, they handle sensitive information with discretion, adapt well to change, and bring a consistently positive attitude to their work.
Hiring Timeline & Dates
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins shortly after the interviews conclude. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Eighteen (18) months of full time, progressively responsible clerical experience;
- OR, Six (6) months of the above experience AND completion of an administrative or office certificate program from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency.
Note: For your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your degree, transcripts, diploma, or foreign equivalency to your application. Required attachments submitted on or after February 29, 2008 do not need to be resubmitted. Please submit only the documents required. Additional documentation, such as awards, letters of recommendation, unsolicited certifications, etc. will not be added to your application file
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents will work all shifts, on holidays, and weekends; with inebriated, uncooperative, and/or emotionally disturbed persons; and in a locked detention facility to book and release incarcerated persons.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Incumbents must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions may be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test.
EVALUATION
The names of qualified candidates will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
VETERANS
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.