Is it acceptable to use the word "jerk" in normal conversations?

I searched over the Internet, but I am unable to find a satisfactory answer to this. I am not a native English speaker, but in my work I use English a lot. In fact, in all the office meetings I attend, half of the conversation happens in English. Now some of these meetings are somewhat informal (for example, it is acceptable to crack a joke), although serious stuff is discussed there. Also, some junior and some senior people are also involved in meetings (approximate age range is 30 to 60).

It so happens that on a particular issue, I have a completely opposite opinion, and I say it firmly each time the issue comes up. Just to set the stage before such argument, I feel like saying something along the lines "Now, as always let me say this although you may feel that I am a complete jerk". I am one of the junior people in my office, and although I feel that using the word jerk would set a good stage, I am not sure if it simply means a foolish/eccentric person in a normal conversation or whether it is a slang word.

So my question is, would it be okay for a junior person to use the work "jerk" to refer to myself before I firmly put forth my argument before others in a meeting about a serious topic? If not, what would be a better replacement?