This role involves performing clerical and security functions to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient operations of the Cowlitz County Jail, while providing care and custody of inmates. It suits an individual dedicated to maintaining security and order in a correctional facility.
Responsibilities
Review documents of arrest and commitment before accepting new inmates into the facility
Verify identity of officers bringing inmates into the facility
Observe incoming inmates to identify physical/mental health conditions
Patrol units, cell areas, corridors, and other security areas inside the facility to ensure security and observe inmate behavior
Observe remote surveillance devices to monitor inmates
Conduct regular head or institutional counts
Escort inmates in and/or out of cells or areas within the facility
Resolve conflicts between inmates
Identify and observe problems such as bitterness and unrest among inmates, unusual movement or activities, unusual odors/sounds, group agitators, and gang activities
Anticipate problems under development and take appropriate action
Immediately confront and control hostile groups or individuals
Take immediate action to address security breaches
Counsel inmates to help resolve problems
Determine when an inmate crisis or problem should be referred to appropriate facility staff or supervisor
Request examination of the physical and/or mental health condition of inmates by medical personnel
Monitor mentally ill or suicidal inmates
Assist medical personnel to ensure inmates take prescribed medication
Observe inmates to recognize symptoms of drug withdrawal and drug use
Escort, guard, and transport inmates to outside medical facilities for treatment, and to/from court
Perform clerical duties such as data entry and retrieval using computerized systems
Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and photograph incoming inmates
Issue jail uniforms, record and store personal property, and house inmates by appropriate classification
Maintain accurate records and logs, and required documentation
Distribute meals to inmates and account for utensils after meals
Operate control room, monitoring and accessing gates, cameras, alarms, and video terminals
Operate control panel in response to audio and visual cues and requests by staff
Control entries into the facility
Verify identification and inspect vehicles and/or containers entering or leaving the facility
Pat and strip search same-sex inmates
Search clothing/property left for inmates
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Conduct periodic searches of inmate cells to discover and seize contraband, weapons, and other unauthorized materials
Process evidence seized during searches
Participate in facility lockdown
Collaborate in the search, pursuit, tackle, and apprehension of escaped inmates
Check the identity of inmates leaving the facility
Inspect documents prior to release or transfer of inmates
Release inmates by established procedures or bail, court order, or other authority
Verify identity of officer picking up inmate
Report to the supervisor unusual and irregular incidents, hazardous situations, and imminent emergencies and security breaches
Report severe depression or unusual behavior, which might indicate self-destructive behavior or danger to others
Conduct emergency procedures in case of fire, escape, riot, and other emergencies
Escort and move inmates to evacuate areas, part or full facility
Direct actions of Corrections Officers arriving to assist in emergency situations
Collaborate in investigations, collect evidence, take notes, and document evidence chain of custody, package/identify evidence
Take emergency steps when an inmate has threatened with suicide and in cases of injury or illness by immediately reporting the incident and requesting assistance
Administer emergency medical first-aid and CPR protocols
Use universal precautions to prevent contact with infectious diseases
Use clean-up kit to clean bloodborne pathogens and oversee cleanup of blood and body fluids
Investigate injuries to inmates
Record injuries to inmates
Take measures to avoid confrontation with provoking inmates
Control emotions and recognize inmates’ manipulative efforts
Apply physical force and techniques to restrain, subdue, and control violent inmates, protect/maintain life and safety, prevent criminal behavior, self-defense, or combat situations, as the case may require
Apply the appropriate level of force in accordance with policies, ranging from verbal warnings and physical techniques, utilizing soft and hard restraints, and in extreme cases deadly force
Monitor radio transmissions between staff in order to respond immediately to directions/emergencies, and to call for assistance as needed
Attend and participate in staff meetings
Contribute with ideas for improvement and problem-solving
Attend training and educational seminars
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
High School diploma or equivalent
Be a U.S. citizen and 21 years of age
Successfully complete Basic Corrections Academy, First Aid, and CPR training within the first six months of employment
Successfully complete all defensive tactics level one and level two training, including handgun retention
Become firearms qualified prior to completion of probation and maintain firearms qualification (for Corrections Officers hired after January 1, 1994)
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
Successfully pass a physical agility test
Successfully pass a full background investigation
Successfully pass a polygraph exam
Successfully pass a psychological profile interview
Customer service and interpersonal skills in dealing with inmates and the public
Ability to develop and maintain good working relations with own department staff, other county employees, and other private and public agencies
Good written and oral communication skills to prepare professional reports, train, and provide clear instructions
Possess and develop modern supervision practices and motivational skills
Able to effectively delegate
Ability to multi-task daily activities and determine work priorities
Good organizational skills to maintain records
Ability to react with professionalism, leadership, and control during stressful situations
Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business
Initiative with problem-solving skills, while following standard practices, policies, and procedures of the department
Ability to perform all duties of the position in accordance with Policies and Procedures
Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace
Benefits
Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family
HRA (Health Retirement Account) option in lieu of medical insurance for employees covered under another person's medical plan
HSA and FSA plans available, depending on eligibility
11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Retirement: Participation in a Washington State Retirement Services plan for all full-time employees
Deferred Compensation Plan participation option
Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members for help with personal or family issues
Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase
Important Details
Application deadline: Open until filled
Application Process
Applicants moving forward will receive information from Vetted to complete their Personal History Statement (PHS)
All fields need to be completed for applicants to be considered