QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency and be 18 years of age at time of hiring. Special consideration will be given to those who possess a Bachelor's Degree (Preferably in Criminal Justice) and military service with an honorable discharge. Must be able to clear a background check and successfully complete the Correctional Academy. Must be hard working, dependable and willing to meet the needs of a challenging career.
Summary: Corrections Officer is responsible for the overall care, custody, and control of detainees in the facility.
Supervision Exercised: Detainees
Essential Functions: The following duties are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.
Maintains and updates Facility records (written and electronic) including detainee movement logs, cell searches, misconduct reports and updated housing.
Instructs detainees on personal hygiene, general housekeeping duties and facility rules and regulations and answers questions.
Observes detainee behavior and reports anything unusual to a supervisor.
Inspects locks, doors, windows, walls, bars, and gates for tampering and irregularities.
Processes detainee Legal Mail per policy and procedure.
Responsible for inside and outside perimeter security checks.
May be responsible for processing commitments and releases.
Responsible for monitoring suicidal detainees or detainees with special behavioral problems.
Search detainees, cells, housing units and multipurpose rooms for contraband.
Supervises detainees during work assignments, recreation, meals, laundry, visitation and other activities.
Prepares misconduct reports, extraordinary occurrence reports, chronological reports, other reports as needed.
Responds appropriately to emergencies in the prison (which may include assaults, fires, riots, disturbances, natural disasters, medical emergencies and hostage situations).
Responsible to work collectively with all departments and staff i.e.: case management, medical, maintenance, food service, in regards to their respective duties and security of the facility.
Patrols assigned areas for cleanliness, contraband, stolen goods, and signs of escape plans or procedures.
Maintains on-time regular attendance.
Performs other related functions as assigned or required.
NOTE: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various @types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Education and Experience: High school graduate or equivalent.
Additional Job Requirements: Valid driver's license or State ID, satisfactory pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check and Prison Rape Elimination Act clearance (if applicable).
Certification/License: Must successfully complete correctional officer academy within one year of hire date, maintain annual certifications in First Aid, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) AED (Automated External Defibrillation), handgun, shotgun, Taser, O.C., and any other required certification/license or qualification.
Schedule and On-Call-Requirement: 12-hour shifts, unless otherwise deemed necessary. Ability to work the rotating shifts (including weekends and holidays) as required by a 24/7 operating facility. Ability to work mandatory overtime.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as rules, regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy procedure manuals.
Ability to write detailed reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before the public or employees of the Facility.
Ability to make critical decisions in order to meet the facility's mission.
Ability to compile clear, concise, oral and written reports.
Ability to assist with initiating and establishing new programs, and to work within a team effort to advance management objectives.
Good time management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented.
Ability to prioritize work, work independently without daily supervision, perform a variety of duties, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high-pressure atmosphere under sometimes severe time constraints.
Be polite, patient, and courteous when dealing with staff, clients, or members of the public despite provocative behavior.
Ability to effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Pleasant personality with the ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships with all staff and individuals conducting business with the Facility.
Interact professionally with this diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds on a regular basis.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, adaptability, leadership, and sound judgment.
Ability to develop and implement facility Policy and Procedures.
Knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior.
Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations.
Knowledge of PA Code Title 37 Standards.
Knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Ability to establish and maintain and to prepare records for the facility
Ability to testify in judicial and administrative proceedings to activities and findings.
Ability to remember names and faces.
Ability to physically defend self and others.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in regard in detainee information and records.
Possesses knowledge of behavioral patterns of Detainee/Gang affiliations.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Tools and Equipment:
Use of security restraints and equipment, computer (with proficiency in jail management software and Microsoft applications), telephone, calculator, portable radio, copy machine, fax machine, first aid equipment.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties.
Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
Employee must possess the ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions. Good observational skills are essential in this environment. Employee must display emotional stability and be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position and work