Correctional Officer

About the role

Maintains custody of women in the Women's Prison by enforcing institutional operations memoranda and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.

Responsibilities

• Manning an armed post (requires annual firearms certification)
• Monitoring facility perimeter
• Maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders
• Escorting and transporting offenders in authorized state vehicles, while armed
• Monitoring visiting areas
• Conducting formal, informal and emergency counts
• Conducting searches per policy
• Inspecting facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
• Inspecting inmate mail
• Utilizing proper protocols when responding to emergency situations
• Following established tool and key control, ensuring proper storage and documentation
• Attending shift briefings
• Documenting incidents utilizing established reporting practices
• Communicating pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors

Requirements

• Successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
• See and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work 12 hour rotating shifts to include holidays and weekends
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• Willing and able to travel
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire

Qualifications

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
• Apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry
• Participate in the criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines
• Visually observe and audibly hear in order to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information
• Visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas
• Verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully
• Perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email
• Study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method
• Incorporate the South Dakota DOC Mission statement while completing daily job duties
• Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with offender families and the public
• Effectively communicate and work with offenders through daily monitoring in a variety of situations
• Control, direct and instruct offenders individually and in groups
• Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population
• Remain alert and observant throughout shift
• Conduct searches (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle)
• Use fingers to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment
• Safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors
• Learn about and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers in a safe and professional manner, as outlined in policy
• Learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone, public address equipment)
• Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols
• Quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes)
• Use physical force to control a situation
• Climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift
• Interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures

Skills

• Effective communication
• Physical fitness
• Computer skills
• Legal knowledge
• Security protocols
• Emergency response

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option
• Eleven paid holidays
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options
• Retail benefits

Pay

$25.60 to $30.00 per hour, depending on experience

Schedule

12-hour shifts (5:50 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 5:50 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.)