Inmate Classification Specialist

The Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office is seeking an Inmate Classification Specialist to help make informed custody and housing decisions within our correctional facility. In this role, you’ll interview inmates, review records and risk factors, document classification recommendations, and work with correctional staff to respond to changing safety and service needs.

What you’ll do

• Assess inmate custody, safety, housing, special needs, and program factors using interviews, records, and available information.


• Recommend appropriate housing and reassess placements when circumstances change.


• Review inmates in special housing and document whether their placement remains appropriate.


• Coordinate classification interviews and priorities with other classification staff.


• Review sentenced inmates for classification and transfer, contact other facilities about bed availability, and enter approved transfers in OMS.


• Maintain accurate, confidential records and respond to classification-related concerns.


• Assist with inmate disciplinary and access-to-services processes as assigned.

What you’ll bring

• Strong judgment and the ability to evaluate information from several sources.


• Clear written and verbal communication skills.


• Careful recordkeeping and the ability to manage competing priorities.


• Professionalism when working with inmates, correctional staff, and outside professionals.


• Ability to follow security procedures and work inside a correctional facility.

Work environment: This position is on-site at a correctional facility

Benefits Include:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)


• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance


• Paid Leave: Sick, Annual, Holiday, Birthday, Military, Bereavement


• Tuition Assistance 


• Health/Flexible Spending Accounts


• AFLAC Short/Long-Term Disability


• Fitness Membership Discounts (YMCA, OneLife)


• Onsite Gym + Wellness Programs


• Employee Assistance Program


• Legal Resources

How to Apply:

Submit your resume through Indeed. If selected, you will be contacted with the next steps to complete the full application packet.

Honor • Service • Integrity

The Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.