Correctional Officer III (Sergeant)

Summary

The Correctional Officer III/Sergeant maintains order and security within the correctional environment through supervision of subordinate officers and inmates. This position serves as a conduit between subordinate officers and prison’s administration regarding daily operations. Sergeants serve a critical role ensuring a safe and secure overall operation through effective communication, professional leadership and progressive discipline.

Essential Duties

• In addition to basic officer duties, maintain general order and security (supervision / observation of inmates' activities).
• Schedule and supervise subordinate officers.
• Perform complex problem-solving functions with inmates and staff.
• Supervise and assist with daily operations in Central Control and Data Processing.
• Serve as a conduit between subordinate staff, peers and the Administration.
• Develop and implement subordinate training courses and programs.
• Coordinate inmate transport with outside agencies (sheriffs, constables, medical).
• Response to emergency situations to supervise and maintain professional standard adherences.
• Supervise inmate movement.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and two years of job-related experience in corrections or law-enforcement including some CO II (Corporal) experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• An approved D.O.C. basic training certification.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Experience with suicide prevention and fire safety.
• Maintain weapons qualification.
• Adapts to changes in the work environment.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude and present a positive professional image.
• Moderate experience with video and digital cameras.
• Critical thinking, accurate, and detail oriented in assignments and duties.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to follow protocols to handle and resolve recurring and infrequent problems.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to use common sense to carry out written and verbal instructions without delay.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and an ability to make firm unbiased decisions.
• Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks to completion
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
• Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

• Associate’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in corrections or law enforcement.
• Field Training Officer certification and experience.
• Correctional Emergency Unit operations
• Consistent performance as CO II.
• Training instructor certification(s).
• General knowledge of County Employee Handbook
• Greater working knowledge of Chester County Prison Handbook (General, Post, Officer Conduct orders).

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate to Advanced Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer)
• Basic Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Skill and practical knowledge with the Chester County Court Management system

• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point) - 1 Officer to 64 inmates.
• Depth Perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) - Observation of inmates in housing, work and recreational areas.
• Ability to adjust focus of the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to extremely loud at times.
• Daily conditions consist of working with inmates, which can lead to life threatening situations at any time (assaults, contagious diseases, hostage-taking, riots, etc.).
• Will be subjected to infectious disease, medical, mental ordeals.
• Required to work with adjudicated criminals, unarmed.
• Conditions that can pose a high degree of stress due to the high-risk population, unknown contagious diseases, confined areas, mentally challenged persons.
• Required to work in the yard, outdoors-perimeter (hot and cold weather) working cell blocks.

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• Ability to observe visitors to prevent the introduction of contraband.
• Must employ tactful and clear communication(s) with staff, inmates and the public.
• Maintain a professional rapport with inmates, staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Carry out all lawful directives/orders without hesitation, or debate.
• Strive to improve workflow for staff, peers and administrators