Correctional Officer - Adult

Position Description

The Correctional Officer 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.

Position 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 the respect of others.
• Determine appropriate inmate/detainee disciplinary action. Make the decision on the corrective action to be imposed, notifying and enforcing with the 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, inmates/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 the supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of employment offer.
• No felony convictions.
• Must meet minimum hiring assessment standards, including physical agility, written examination, criminal and character background and physical and psychological examinations.
• 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.

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.
• Pennington County Benefit Summary

Pennington County Benefit Summary

• Health Care Program: Health – Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
• Dental: Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
• Prescription: The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
• Life Insurance: Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
• Employee Assistance Program: Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
• Retirement Plan: Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age. Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
• Supplemental Insurance: AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation – Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply. Sick Leave – Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment. Holidays – Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year. All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.