About This Role
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
- 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