Corrections Officer

About This Role

This Corrections Officer position is responsible for maintaining order and securing inmates in the County Jail. The role involves processing inmates, conducting searches, monitoring activities, and ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates. It suits an individual capable of handling crisis situations and maintaining discipline.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming inmates
• Conduct searches within the facility and inmate cells in accordance with established policies, regulations, and/or procedures
• Transport inmates as necessary
• Monitor inmate activities, including both supervision and interaction with inmates
• Coordinate daily activities of inmates
• Make required rounds to check safety and welfare of inmates
• Process paperwork, completing required reports and forms on a daily basis, such as incidents of misbehavior or violation of rules
• Interact with the public via telephone or face-to-face and coordinate activities with outside agencies and internal County personnel
• Enter information into the Jail’s computer system
• Review and interpret Court orders, remands, and releases
• Observe inmates to detect violations of Jail regulations or any unusual physical appearance or behavior of inmates
• Physically restrain inmates when necessary to prevent injuries to staff and other inmates, and to maintain security
• Use weapons, handcuffs, and minimum amount of physical force to maintain discipline and order among inmates in situations which necessitate
• Learn names and identification numbers, and recognize faces of problem inmates, by observing and receiving information from other officers so that such persons can be closely observed
• Brief officers on incoming shift as to unusual activities and inmate status
• Attend shift briefings and read bulletins issued by the department or institution to keep abreast of changes in policies/regulations, and to receive work assignments
• Direct inmates in housekeeping duties in the cell block area such as sweeping/mopping of floors, making beds, and dusting/vacuuming to maintain sanitary conditions
• Work in excess of eight (8) hours at one time and without restrictions, and be able to perform duties and responsibilities at 100% capacity, in order to be deemed fit for duty
• Clear the X-ray machine upon entrance to the facility and be subject to search at any time
• Complete all mandatory training as outlined by the Department of Corrections Administration

Requirements

• Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma
• Valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record
• Preferred age requirement is twenty-one (21) years of age (applicants between eighteen (18) and twenty (20) years of age will be considered based on maturity and documented work experience, education and/or military experience)
• Pass a post-offer medical examination, including a urine drug screen
• Pass a physical agility assessment test on an annual basis (for officers assigned to Special Teams)
• Complete a pre-interview Personality Inventory exam
• Pass a post-offer criminal history check, child abuse clearance, and motor vehicle driving record check
• Successfully complete a training program within the time period prescribed by law
• Successfully complete a one (1) year probationary period
• Qualify upon appointment and requalify annually to maintain firearm certification (if assignment requires carrying a firearm)
• Qualify upon hire and requalify annually to maintain certification for carrying OC spray (pepper spray)
• Knowledge of procedures to perform inmate and institutional searches
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the Jail, as well as local, state, and federal laws
• Knowledge of first aid treatment
• Knowledge of recreational activities utilized in an institutional setting
• Ability to cope with crisis situations
• Ability to react to emergency situations and use physical force necessary to defend oneself and others
• Ability to follow orders explicitly
• Ability to write concise and accurate reports and correspondence
• Ability to empathize with persons of different backgrounds
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with inmates, co-workers, and the public both verbally and in writing
• Ability to perform simple mathematic calculations, i.e. calendar dates for entry/release, counting money, and maintenance of inmate inventory
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and manual recording and information systems, as well as equipment used by the agency, office, or related units
• Ability to operate and drive a motor vehicle
• Ability to qualify and use firearms properly
• Ability to use fingerprint machine, handcuffs, and shackles/body belt
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position

Important Details

• Supervision received: Reports directly to a Corrections Supervisor – Sergeant and Corrections Supervisor – Lieutenant, and/or other higher level supervisory officer as designated
• Supervision exercised: This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees

Application Process

• Complete all sections of the application; incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will result in disqualification
• Resume attachment does not fulfill the requirement for completing education and work experience fields
• Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required

About the Company

Northampton County provides equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by law.