Correctional Officer

About the role

This job announcement may close at any time anytime with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Responsibilities

• Maintains care and custody of inmates, security, and order on and off the property of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.
  • Receives or discharges inmates.
  • Safeguards inmates during searches, baths, and cell assignments.
  • Monitors inmate activities and escorts inmates to and from medical facilities and other locations.
  • Supervises inmates on work details and patrols the institution.
  • Enforces rules and regulations, handles emergencies, and investigates disorders.
  • Operates radios, telephones, and other communication equipment.
  • Prepares routine reports and records.
  • Keeps inventory of various items.
• Performs general clerical duties.
• Trains new officers.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent.
• To become a Correctional Officer, you must be at least 18 years old by the time you are hired.
• You must be a citizen or resident alien of the United States.
• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
• Successfully complete a psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination.
• Successfully complete a physical and medical examination.

Qualifications

• Training and experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • At least 18 years old by the time hired.
  • Citizen or resident alien of the United States.
  • Comprehensive background investigation.
  • Polygraph examination.
  • Physical and medical examinations.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Ability to count, read, write, and speak the English language.
  • To understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • To operate a motor vehicle safely.
  • To cope with situations in a firm and tactful manner with respect for the rights of others.
  • To respond quickly and effectively.
  • To learn from experience and apply knowledge gained effectively.
  • Knowledge of human relations, inmate character and habits, supervision of inmates, disciplinary, security, emergency, and safety policies and procedures, departmental rules and regulations, location of routine and emergency equipment, and appropriate terminology.
  • Skill in record keeping and report writing, using effective verbal and non-verbal communication, CPR, first-aid, riot control equipment, restraining devices, fire extinguishers and other security and safety equipment, and driving a County vehicle while monitoring inmates.
  • Ability to protect oneself and others, to handle hostile inmates with minimum amount of force, to observe and note unusual occurrences, to be aware of surroundings, to supervise inmates, to perform duties according to established policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Age requirements: At least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Citizenship requirements: All applicants must be citizens or resident aliens of the United States at the time of application.
• Character requirements: All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally and mentally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, a psychological examination, and a drug test. Persons appointed to this classification are subject to random screening.
• Physical requirements: Applicants must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others, as determined by a test of physical ability. After accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, all candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Benefits

• Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance.
• General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
• Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.
• Health Insurance Benefits - Offers plans including Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts allow setting aside pre-tax dollars for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.
• Life Insurance - Basic term life insurance for employees equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.
• Retirement - Required participation in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.
• Paid Leave - Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, Personal Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Leave, Military Leave.

Conditions of Employment

• The work of this classification entails frequent walking and standing.
• The work involves frequent interaction with an inmate population at the detention center.
• Some assignments may entail the operation of a motor vehicle.
• Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation - Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance
General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.