Correctional Officer

We are looking for employees who are compassionate and enjoy working with people. 

Steele County

Job Description

Job Title: Correctional Officer

Department: Detention Center

Immediate Supervisor: Detention Sergeant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

DBM Rating: B24

Union: MNPEA

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Detention Sergeant, the Correctional Officer is responsible for the care, control and movements of inmates in the Steele County Detention Center.  Correctional Officers perform job assignments according to established policies and procedures in accordance with the MN Department of Corrections (DOC) rules and requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of duties and responsibilities when assigned to pods.
  • Supervises inmates in their daily routines and monitors the care and control of inmates in the pod.
  • Initiates the feeding of inmates and supervises housekeeping and sanitation issues.  Observes inmate personal hygiene, distributes razors, and enforcing showers, when appropriate; exchanges clean laundry; performs garbage removal; and cleans blood and bodily fluids, as necessary.
  • Counts and dispenses medications as prescribed by physicians.
  • Interacts with inmates, responds to their concerns and/or issues, and resolves or addresses conflicts.
  • Conducts routine inspections in the facility/cells for hazards, contraband, and/or tampering.  Pats down inmates.
  • Makes scheduled and frequent checks on inmates under watch or special precautions.
  • Maintains shift logs, document inmate tracking forms, disciplinary and/or behavioral issues.  Records showering, cleaning and cell inspections.  Writes reports and logs inmate trustee work times.  Logs Huber inmate in and out times.
  • Monitors Huber inmates leaving and returning from work.

• Performs master control room duties and responsibilities.

  • Monitors radio traffic from law enforcement.
  • Monitors all entrances and exits within the facility.  Monitors and controls the movement of all persons coming into, within, or exiting the facility.
  • Receives and directs all calls and makes announcements within the facility.
  • Monitors state computer (warrant) surveillance, radio and fire equipment.
  • Monitors Law Enforcement and closed circuit TV’s as necessary.
  • Operates MINCIS and NCIC equipment to query information and send inquiries.
• Performs “rover duties” providing breaks to all officers and covers their posts.  Escorts civilians and inmates and transports inmates to court or other facilities.  Assists in delivering mail, meals, medication carts, pat downs, or other activities.  
• Performs intake and booking in responsibilities to include such activities as creating inmate files, fingerprinting, photographing, arranging for interpreter as needed, recording of personal belongings, conducting inmate orientation, providing information, classifying inmates, and gathering necessary documents as needed at release.

• Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

  • Attends ongoing and annual training as required by department.

Essential Knowledge

• Operation of computers and specialized software applications (MINCIS, NCIS, etc.) utilized by the department.
• Knowledge of the PREA Act (Prison Rape Elimination Act).
• Knowledge of observational techniques to identify potential drug withdrawal, diabetic reactions, suicidal thoughts and psychological symptoms.
• Knowledge of detention center rules, policies and procedures pertaining to job assignments.

Essential Skills

• Using computers and learn department specific software applications;
• Learning and applying self defense techniques and defending self and others in physical encounters.
• Following, applying and carrying out assignments in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations,
• Judgment and discretion in dealing with inmates appropriately and addressing conflicts.
• Supervising and controlling the movements of inmates within the facility.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to make decisions in response to emergency situations in accordance with department procedures and policies.
• Learning, monitoring and responding to security systems, alarms, and cameras.
• Learning and applying state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to job responsibilities including departmental policies and procedures.
• Enforcing policies and procedures.
• Ensuring security and safety of inmates and staff.
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports pertaining to jail operation.

Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)

Category: Heavy Work

Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 25 lbs constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. 

• Stand: frequently (34-66%)
• Walk: frequently (34-66%)
• Sit: occasionally (1-33%)
• Use of hands: occasionally (1-33%)
• Reach with hands & arms: frequently (34-66%)
• Climb or balance: occasionally (1-33%)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)
• Talk or hear: continuously (66-100%)
• Taste or smell: occasionally (1-33%)
• Lift & carry: up to 25 pounds frequently (34-66%), up to 100 pounds occasionally (1-33%)

Working Conditions

Employee performing the job functions may be subjected to personal injury, physical violence, threats of violence, work space restrictions, exposure to contagious diseases, blood borne pathogens, exposure cleaning chemicals, and public contact involving conflict and risks, and work activities requiring constant precautions and safety considerations.