Corrections Officer

Job Description

Job Title:                    Corrections Officer

Department:              County Jail

Reports To:                Chief Corrections Officer

FLSA Status:             Non-exempt

General Statement of Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Corrections Officer and/or the Sheriff, is responsible for performing duties as assigned in the areas of legal process.

Note – This position is responsible, first and foremost, for the duties of a Corrections Officer.  It is the primary responsibility that all Corrections Officers ensure that the Detention Center is operating in a peaceful manner and the physical confrontation with inmates is a real possibility on any given day to ensure proper operations.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Maintain a variety of records as related to the legal process.
2. Fingerprint and photograph inmates.
3. Issue jail clothing, bedding, and hygiene items to inmates.
4. Check inmates on a regular basis.
5. Assist in jail safety and security procedures to include the control of weapons, contraband, keys, tools, doors, and other related safety procedures.
6. Deliver meals to inmates.
7. Disperse medications to prisoners as directed by medical professionals.
8. Supervise daily exercise and recreation of inmates.
9. Assist in assigning inmates to work details.
10. Document all incidents and complete required reports.
11. Testify in court as required.
12. Collect money, cash bonds, work release, 24/7 fees, etc.
13. Enforce jail rules and regulations.
14. Attend training sessions and meetings as required.
15. Wear personal protective equipment as deemed necessary.
16. Perform duties in a manner consistent with safe practices.
17. Perform other duties and functions as deemed necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certification.
2. Ability to obtain one (1) week Jailer training certification within 12 months of hire date.
3. No prior felony criminal record.
4. Knowledge or procedures of detention facilities, codes, and statutes that apply to detention and legal process or possess the ability to learn such procedures.
5. Ability to demonstrate good communication skills.
6. Ability to maintain a professional relationship with inmates, general public and other employees.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
2. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
3. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance.
4. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to employees own body weight.
5. Ability to handle stressful situations.
6. Ability to work off shifts, holidays, and during emergencies.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals; moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Examination, Testing and Certification

1. Valid South Dakota driver’s license
2. Successful competition in written and/or oral interviews.
3. Other such examinations as deemed appropriate and necessary by the County.