Correction Officer

Under the immediate supervision of a higher-level officer the Correction Officer guards inmates in a penal institution in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures. He/she trains and supervises inmates in a correctional facility. Employs weapons or force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners, if necessary.

Supervision is received through conferences, oral and written instruction; work received by mean of evaluation of written reports, oral reports and observation of work.

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

• Conducts inmate counts, and safety inspections. Assists court security to prepare inmates for transport. Supervises inmate feeding.


• Assists civilians staff with daily duties.


• Monitors all activities within facility and controls access to and from the facility. Observes conduct and behavior of inmates to prevent disturbances and escape.


• Inspects locks, window bars, grilles, doors, and gates for signs of tampering. Inspects mail and visitors for prohibitive items.


• Supervises  inmates  in  living  quarters  and  those  segregated  for  administrative  or punitive purpose.


• Keeps inmates informed of charges in procedures and rules and regulation of the institution. Stands guard, patrols yards, grounds, cell house or corridors, dormitories and work area.


• Assists in searching for fugitives, their capture and return to the institution. Performs other related work as required.


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High School Diploma or its equivalent.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION

U.S. citizen, at least twenty (20) years of age and not have reached his/her forty six (46) birthday.

Must successfully pass Civil Service Written Examination, physical agility test, psychological exam, oral board interview, as well as a background checks.

A waiver may be granted on the written examination by the Director of Personnel for those applicants that posses a degree from an accredited institution in the areas of police science, fire science and criminal justice including criminology, forensic science, fire prevention, accounting, public administration or business administration.

FACTOR 1 - KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of basic corrections procedures and prisoner control problems. Knowledge of the principle techniques and priorities of penology.


• Knowledge of behavior of individuals and groups confined in an institution setting.


• Ability to learn, assists with, and performs  a wide range of assignments regarding the care, custody, and locking-up of prisoners with minimum direction and supervision.


• Ability to maintain effective discipline among prisoners during a variety of activities. Ability to communicate with prisoners.


• Ability to use sound judgment in dispatching personnel and equipment. Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations.


• Ability to read, interpret and analyze laws, rules and regulations. Ability to prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.


• Ability to maintain courteous and tactful, but firm relationships with the prisoners and the public. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written direction.


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FACTOR 2 - SUPERVISORY CONTROL

The employee is responsible for carrying  out general daily tasks. Work is reviewed by the supervisor or a higher-level officer. Any unusual or difficult cases are referred to the supervisor for action and feedback.

FACTOR 3 - GUIDELINES

Guidelines consist of departmental rules, regulations, local and federal policies and procedures. In addition, some counseling and group intervention are used to manage the population in a penal institution.

FACTOR 4 - COMPLEXITY

Assignments in this facility are very complex. The hazardous environment, the nature of the inmate population could result in life and death situation, when work is not conducted to standard. Duties required considerable knowledge of policies and procedures within general area of responsibility. Employee follows a system of procedures.

FACTOR 5 - SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to provide supervision of inmates, maintain order and security through fair and impartial application of the policies, and procedures of accepted correctional security and supervision practices.

FACTOR 6 -PERSONAL CONTACTS

Personal contacts include inmates, families, staff, mental health workers and other prison officials. It may also include attorneys or court personnel.

FACTOR 7 -PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are made to verify inmates accountability, location, physical security, and to check inmates housing areas to establish living quarters are held to standard.

FACTOR 8 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires walking, standing and making detailed observation of work area and inmate population. Work may be strenuous and hazardous based on the stress encountered in working in a penal institution.

FACTOR 9 -WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may be performed outdoors; however, a majority of the work is conducted in an indoor facility. Due to the nature of the work the employee conducts his/her duties in a hazardous environment.