Correctional Officer - Lateral

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; all shifts as scheduled (shift differential and premium pay eligible); full benefits
 
This uniformed corrections position is responsible for maintaining security and discipline at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on any shift as assigned by the Assistant Bureau Chief or Bureau Chief.  Duties are performed with close supervision from a Field Training Officer, Correctional Officer II or higher.  Initial assignments are carried out in accordance with current policies and procedures with structured on-the-job training throughout an 12 month probationary period.  The employee participates as a team member with other correctional personnel in maintaining a safe, secure and controlled environment.



TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
 

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming soon-early 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care

• Maintain direct supervision, security and control over inmate population; enforce facility rules, regulations and disciplinary standards
• As needed, submit written reports of violations or irregularities to supervisory staff
• Maintain a system of regular and on-going counts of the inmate population; participate in routine searches and cell shakedowns to control contraband
• Conduct frequent security checks to ensure the safety and security of the inmate population as well as the overall condition of the facility
• Observe inmate activity and behavior patterns to detect and prevent disturbances, escape attempts and security violations
• Assist in physically controlling dangerous situations
• Escort inmates to and from in-house activities and remain present to enforce safety and security
• As needed, transport inmates to other locations outside the facility
• Process incarcerants into the facility according to standard procedures; prepare records of personal items and maintain responsibility for inmate property control
• Distribute sanitation supplies, deliver mail, and issue bedding and clothing to inmate population
• Communicate with the public on matters of visiting hours, inmate phone call periods, authorized articles for inmates and other inmate related information
• Communicate with attorneys, bondsmen, law enforcement agencies and the courts as necessary
• Operate radio equipment, electric security doors, monitor cameras and life safety systems; control access to restricted areas by security keys
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  
 

• Minimum age 18 years by completion of background process
• U.S.A. citizenship
• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license with the ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
• Possession of current certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) as a Correctional Officer
• NOTE:  Current out-of-state Certified Correctional Officer's may also be given consideration as a lateral entry applicant. 

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Ability to learn and effectively apply appropriate skills and techniques to supervise inmates and enforce facility rules and regulations
• Ability to respond quickly, calmly and appropriately in standard duty and emergency situations, demonstrating good judgment in independent actions and referrals to higher authority
• Ability to effectively train, direct and mentor Officers of lesser rank
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmate population, co-workers and the general public, while maintaining professional attitude, appearance and manner of performance
• Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to write clear, complete and concise reports

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Sound physical condition in order to effectively respond to spontaneous physical demands of corrections duties (e.g. restraint and control of prisoners, searches, foot pursuit, etc.), with ability to meet and maintain compliance with FCSO physical fitness standards
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly walk, reach and perform repetitive motions; frequently sit, climb, stoop, lift up to 20 pounds and drive; occasionally lift between 20-50 pounds and push up to 40 pounds; and rarely crawl, lift over 50 pounds, push over 40 pounds and pull over 40 pounds
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors in a noisy environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases; frequently work outdoors, walking on uneven ground and wear protective equipment; and rarely work in a dirty and dusty environment

• Satisfactory background investigation
• Available for 24-hour call-in, shift work, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime

EXAMINATION PROCESS may include (candidate must successfully complete each step to proceed to the next):
1)  An evaluation of training and experience
2)  Physical agility testing
3)  A oral examination administered before a panel
4)  One or more personal interviews
5)  A pre-employment polygraph test (inquires include criminal, credit, drug use and personal history)
6)  A pre-employment physical examination and drug test, to include testing for marijuana
7)  A pre-employment psychological examination (written and oral)

NOTES: 

• This position is subject to random drug testing, to include testing for marijuana
• A Correctional Officer becomes eligible for upgrade to Correctional Officer First Class upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month probationary period
• Secondary employment will not be approved for FCSO personnel who have not successfully completed their probationary period
• Candidates who were previously rejected may reapply for consideration, however those declined for reasons that assure another rejection will not be reconsidered
• Completion of the examination/selection process can take 6-12 weeks. Candidates found eligible, but not immediately selected, may be contacted for subsequent placement within one year

Salary : $60,008