Correctional Officer

Are you looking for a career in Corrections, Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice?

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office, located in Rapid City, South Dakota and the beautiful Black Hills, is accepting applications for Adult Correctional Officers to serve in our adult jail facility. Correctional officers serve a vital role in providing a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates.

New hire classes start regularly! Apply now!

GREAT WAGES! Starting Pay in 2024 is $26.89 PLUS regular opportunities for overtime. You could earn $60,000 your first year!

12 HOUR SHIFTS! Work 15 shifts a month and spend the rest of your time enjoying what you love! Correctional Officers will work rotating 12 hour shifts to include holidays and weekends.

PAID TRAINING! We will train you to be successful at your job! Classroom and on-the-job training that prepares you for success. This position also qualifies for Post-9/11 GI Bill OJT.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT & READINESS!Through the training and experience gained working at the Pennington County Jail, our Correctional Officers have gone on to work in various public safety and law enforcement roles.

GENEROUS BENEFITS PACKAGE!
Paid Time Off: 80hrs of vacation with increased accrual rates after 4yrs of service, 11 paid holidays each year, and 96hrs of sick leave accrual each year with end of career payout options.
Comprehensive Insurance Package: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, AFLAC Supplemental Options, $20,000 County-paid Life Insurance with additional optional coverage
Retirement: SDRS pension program that provides income throughout retirement with early retirement options, 8% county contribution match, fully vested after 3 years of contribution!

CONSIDER A CAREER IN PENNINGTON COUNTY CORRECTIONS!
This is a position that requires a high level of multi-tasking skills, integrity, good physical fitness, and the ability to communicate well both written and verbally.

Position Functions

The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates/detainees under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates/detainees under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. Correctional Officers are required to handle multiple tasks, frequently under high-stress conditions, simultaneously, while being mindful of security operations. Correctional Officers may also be asked to testify in court proceedings.
This position is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requiring day, evening, overnight, weekend and holiday shift assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform security rounds during scheduled and unscheduled times. Use discretion to determine violations and unusual situations and direct the appropriate response. Document incidents, movement, rounds and inmate/detainee discipline.
• Create and maintain a safe and secure cell block/pod atmosphere conducive to respect of others.
• Determine appropriate inmate/detainee disciplinary action. Make the decision on the corrective action to be imposed, notifying and enforcing with inmate/detainee and documenting.
• Initiate and monitor inmate/detainee movement, recognizing abnormal or inappropriate behavior. Restrain unruly inmates/detainees using force and restraining devices, using maneuvers as trained.
• Determine classification of inmates/detainees to the appropriate housing unit and security level, to include review of previous behavior, criminal charges and other mitigating factors.
• Respond to inmate/detainee mental health behaviors, to include determining risk factors for mental health intervention or implementing suicide precautions.
• Read, comprehend, and process legal and non-legal documents, including medical instructions, commitment or release orders, summons, criminal statutes and other documents.
• Communicate effectively and coherently with the public, staff, inmate/detainees and in court or other formal settings with approved facility communication devices.
• Attend and participate in shift briefings, division and department meetings and required training to maintain certified status and related activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of employment offer.
• Successful completion of the in-house 120-hour academy training program.
• Successful completion of the 240-hour Correctional Officer on-the-job training program.
• Successful completion of the oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray certification and taser are required.
• No felony convictions.
• Must meet minimum hiring assessment standards, including physical agility, written examination, criminal and character background and physical and psychological examinations.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid South Dakota Driver’s License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.
• The Sheriff has the discretion to waive any of the above requirements.

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• Work is typically performed indoors in a correctional facility. This is a potentially volatile environment with high accountability.• This position may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases or irritating chemicals.
• Work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
• This position will include close interaction with inmates/detainees.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, climb stairs, walk and sit.
• Ability to periodically exert high levels of energy in the form of unarmed self-defense and lifting or moving more than 100 pounds.
• Must be able to effectively communicate objectives and mediate disputes.
• Must be able to handle high levels of stress while making prompt and effective decisions.
• Ability to respond to emergent situations, including the ability to run, restrain aggressive or suicidal individuals and manipulate restraint tools.

Salary : $60,000