Processing Technician - Northampton County Jail

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Processing Technician position performs procedural functions at the Central Booking Unit of the Northampton County Prison. Work includes all tasks associated with processing an arrestee with an arresting law enforcement officer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Corrections Intake Administrator or designee. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Receives arrestee(s) demographic information from arrestee and arresting officer and records this information into database using LIVESCAN software or other software as otherwise directed.

Utilizes specialized equipment including C-PIN (Commonwealth Photo-Identification Network) or other equipment to photograph arrestee as directed. Utilizes electronic equipment to fingerprint/ handprint arrestee. Utilizes a Poly-Com Video system for remote interviews with magisterial district officials.

Provides accurate and updated information to/from magisterial district offices for bail decisions, hearing dates, etc., by a variety of methods including fax, e-mail, or telephone, as required.

Prepares written reports of daily arrestee booking trends for Prison officials and maintains records on arrestees processed and forwards to appropriate agencies as required.

Receives inquiries and answers questions from law enforcement representatives and other Prison/County offices related to booking process.

Prepares correspondence, reports, forms and similar material in accomplishing tasks using computer software such as Microsoft Office for that purpose.

Testifies in court, as required.

Performs other clerical work as required such as answering telephone calls or other non-processing inquiries relating to status of inmates, or preparing prisoner documents for inmates reporting to hearings, writs, or medical transports. May maintain parole plan book on a daily basis. May notify Federal and State immigration authorities of detainees who are illegal aliens and arrange for pick up.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma; AND

At least two (2) years of full-time experience working in a criminal justice, corrections, legal, or other law enforcement setting; OR

A college degree in a related field; OR

A current Act 120/Act 2 certification.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION - As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a criminal history check.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION – As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a psychological examination.

URINE DRUG SCREEN – As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a urine drug screen.

Employees assigned to this title will be required to submit to a Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse Clearance at least every three (3) years, per PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act). Employees will be required to stay aware and adhere to PREA regulations and understand the circumstances of said Federal regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 
Thorough knowledge of centralized booking principles and methods.

Knowledge of technical requirements in processing documents via use of personal computer and specialized software.

Knowledge of laws, policies and procedures applying to the collection and preservation of physical evidence, specifically fingerprints and photographic materials.

Ability to use personal computer, including spreadsheet, database, graphics and/or similar computer programs, when required by work assignment.

Ability to establish and/or maintain filing and other recordkeeping systems.

Ability to interpret regulations, policies and procedures and apply accordingly.

Ability to plan and organize work and to maintain records and prepare reports effectively and in a timely manner.

Ability to work independently, as needed.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, callers, visitors, clients, representatives of other offices and the public.

Ability to interface with information technology personnel regarding software and hardware difficulties.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.  

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing, database, and spreadsheet software as well as specialized software required of position); calculator, fax machine, copy machine, digital camera, fingerprint equipment, arraignment equipment and first aid equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear. 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds. 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Tasks risk exposure to noise extremes, unsanitary conditions and potential exposure to violent arrestee behavior. Work schedule to be determined by a mid-level manager or higher to fit the needs of a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per week schedule.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


FLSA STATUS:         FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:     CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE:         RU-19
UNION STATUS:      AFSCME RESIDUAL NON-PROFESSIONAL UNIT

Updated 10/2023