What are the responsibilities and job description for the Correctional Officer & Eligibility List position at Mille Lacs County?
The Correctional Officer maintains the health, safety and security of all personnel and inmates within the facility. Ensures safety and security of inmates and members of the public when transporting inmates to court or a medical facility, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the facility.
Complete 2025 pay scale is $24.02-$31.42/hr. This position is covered under the Teamsters - Jail bargaining unit. For a complete position description, click here.
This posting will be used to fill existing positions and to establish an eligibility list for potential future openings.
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
- Participates in daily operations of the jail; monitors inmates within the jail facility and directs their activities; ensures well-being of inmates in posted area. Checks cell blocks and interacts with inmates in the different housing units; ensures all inmates have access to meals; ensures that inmates have personal hygiene items; stocks and accounts for all clothing and supplies. Observes inmates for symptoms of health problems and notifies medical staff with appropriate urgency for further assessment. Dispenses prescribed medications at scheduled times under the direction of medical staff and ensures medication is taken; completes medication records.
- Conducts inspections of posted areas for maintenance and/or security issues; conducts searches of inmate cells or common areas to detect and confiscate contraband. Performs inmate counts at beginning and end of shift. Performs required checks and documentation on inmates determined to be security or suicide risk and in segregation. Performs regularly scheduled well-being checks to ensure health and safety of inmates.
- Provides supervision of all inmates; handles inmate questions, concerns, complaints, grievances, and violations. Orients inmates on procedures, schedules, and expected behavior within the facility. Provides direction to inmates on work assignments, such as laundry or cleaning. Completes all shift log activity and required documentation related to activities including incident reports, disciplinary actions, etc.
- Uses interpersonal skill to build rapport with inmates as a means of gaining cooperation and limiting aggression; intervenes in disputes among inmates; uses physical restraint when necessary to prevent injury; relocates inmates within the facility to avoid repeat of confrontations. Responds to and assists other officers during critical situations; may be ca required to testify in court regarding observations and/or the content of conversations.
- Provides security and monitors movement for the jail by controlling the entrances and exits to the outer and inner perimeter of the jail. Operates security doors from a master control location with video and voice communication; controls access to gym and recreation areas; monitors Officer locations at all times; controls phone communications; coordinates emergency response to the facility; monitors access to the facility by family or other visitors, and monitors visits to prevent introduction of contraband. Provides escort to visiting clergy or attorneys.
- Performs proper and proficient use of all safety, security, and emergency equipment. Participates in ongoing mandatory training and staff meetings and provides suggestions for improvements in operations and policies.
- Interviews new arrivals; enters data into the computer; checks background of inmate; classifies the inmate on a preliminary basis and determines the degree of security required; determines whether the inmate is under a physician ordered treatment plan, including prescribed medications; verifies medications; notifies medical personnel of conditions and prescriptions for further assessment.
- Screens inmates on arrival at the facility and determines whether they can be admitted, whether they need immediate medical attention, or would pose a threat to others in the facility. Searches inmates, secures and logs all cash and personal property; photographs and fingerprints new arrivals; may obtain urine samples and operate/take preliminary breath tester (PBT).
- Introduces inmates to counseling opportunities, such as drug or alcohol programs; announces programs for training, education, recreation, or counseling, and moves inmates to the program area if they participate.
- Transports prisoners to and from various detention or medical facilities, to court, on authorized leaves for funerals or other special furloughs, or to transfer custody to an authorized third party. Follows security protocol while in transit.
- Collects/secures/logs bond or bail.
- High school diploma or GED and two years of experience working in a role that requires interaction with others, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Class D Driver’s License.
- Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
Correctional Officer selection process:
- Initial screening/oral interview
- Averages 20-30 minutes
- In-person
- Background check including a criminal history check
- Paperwork averages 1-5 hours to be completed accurately
- Must be completed within 7 days of when candidate receives packet (HR will notify candidate of due date)
- Background check process averages 2-4 weeks to be completed, once everything is turned in to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office
- Pre-employment physical/medical examination (time varies)
- Psychological evaluation (time varies)
Interviews will be held approximately one day per week for the duration of this job posting. The entire hiring process typically averages between 45 and 60 days from beginning to end.
Upon job offer, candidates will be notified of shift and schedule they will be assigned to.
Overview of shifts:
- 12-hour shifts:
- 6:00am – 6:00pm or 6:00pm – 6:00am
- Every other weekend rotation with regular schedule being 7 working days in a 14 day pay period
Salary : $24 - $31