Correctional Officer

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER POSITION DESCRIPTION

This is a part time position that can lead to full time. You will go through 3 weeks of paid training. You can apply for a full time opening after working 20 shifts after training. Once you achieve full time status, you will gain Union benefits, that include: Healthcare, vision, and dental, paid holidays, a county retirement plan, pay increases, and paid time off, including vacation, comp, sick, and personal leave time.

Correctional officers oversee and monitor inmate behavior and activities within the prison facility. They are responsible for enforcing prison rules, conducting personal, building and cell searches, transporting inmates, documenting inmate behavior, and ensuring the safety of all those incarcerated and working within the confines of the prison.

The job of a correctional officer requires mental as well as physical strength and stamina, as work hours are long and demanding, often spent on one’s feet. Correctional officers must be constantly engaged with inmates and on the lookout for contraband and/or suspicious activities. They must also be prepared to break up fights and subdue unruly inmates if necessary, to keep peace and maintain control.

Correctional Officer Duties and Responsibilities (not all-inclusive):

• Follow and enforce all prison rules and regulations
• Practice operational security – safeguard and protect information and practices
• Frequently search inmates, vehicles, work areas, recreational, and housing spaces for contraband
• Perform physical counts of inmates
• Guard prison entrances/exits and screen visitors
• Act as a security escort for visitors
• Review incoming and outgoing mail to and from inmates
• Conduct daily inmate head-counts
• Discipline inmates, using de-escalation tactics and/or physical restraint as necessary
• Observe and monitor inmate behavior, health and activities at all times, looking for any disturbances or potential, threatening issues
• Supervise all activities outside of housing cell (mealtimes, bathing routines, recreational, work, and educational activities)
• Supervise and monitor those in restricted confinement or serving other detention measures
• Patrol prison grounds looking for any security breaches or contraband
• Escort and supervise inmates in the facility for appointments, work details, etc.
• Ensure sufficient precaution is taken and proper restraining equipment applied when directly interacting with inmates
• Utilize technology to monitor and control inmates
• Utilize radio communications
• Respect authority and follow chain of command
• Answer inmate questions and concerns to a reasonable degree
• Write detailed reports on inmate behavior and conduct
• Write infraction reports and document incidents
• Acquire a thorough knowledge of prison policies, and procedures
• Respond rapidly to emergencies
• Be aware of manipulation strategies used by inmates
• Work as a valued and trusted member of the correctional team

Correctional Officer Qualifications:

• Must be a mature and disciplined individual
• Must maintain high ethical standards - Refrain from engaging in unprofessional or illegal behavior that could in any manner reflect negatively on the prison, both on and off duty
• Takes and gives directions/orders effectively with respect
• Incredible observational skills with high attention to detail
• Physical and mental strength and stamina
• Excellent communication skills both spoken and written
• Easily adapts and adheres to a dynamic schedule
• Ability to work various shifts, or doubles, with short notice
• Ability to make sound decisions and judgments under pressure
• Excels in conflict resolution and negotiation
• Confident and strong-willed, not adverse to dangerous situations
• Works well in a para-military structured organization
• Highly engaged at all times
• Well organized and disciplined
• Can remain calm in emergencies and under demanding high-stress circumstances
• Strong desire to excel and accept increasing responsibility
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times

Requirements:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (submit copy with application)
• Valid PA driver’s license (submit copy with application)
• Pass background check
• Pass initial drug test & multiple random drug tests while employed
• Must be minimum 18 years old
• Physical and mental stamina, and ability to work in a stressful, potentially dangerous environment (nights, weekends, and holidays also required)
• Strong references
• Must pass in-house training class / probationary period
• Law enforcement and/or military experience a plus
• First aid – CPR training a plus
• Firearms experience a plus

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $14.81 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person