Correctional Officer

About the Role

Performs moderately complex work involving the care and custody of offenders. Work involves the direct supervision of offenders in their daily assigned duties, including the responsibility of preventing escapes and maintaining discipline in conformance with strict rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Works under general supervision of a manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Assumes a high level of responsibility for the care and custody of assigned offenders through knowledge of and adherence to laws, rules, and regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Searches for contraband and provides security; counts, feeds, and supervises offenders in housing, work, and other areas as directed.
• Provides custody and security of offenders, including observing actions, conducting "pat" and "strip" searches, restraining and securing offenders, and transferring/transporting offenders by walking or riding vehicles (vans, buses, etc.).
• Supervises and provides security for offenders performing tasks such as maintenance, laundry, and food service, involving climbing stairs/ladders, working indoors/outdoors in various weather conditions, and around equipment/machinery.
• Responds to emergencies, including searching for escaped offenders, administering first aid, and using force or deadly force (chemical agents, firearms) to control offenders.
• Reads, reviews, and applies information from offender records related to affiliation, health, safety, and facility security; complies with policies and prepares/maintains records, forms, and reports.
• Completes all duties assigned by supervisor, maintains a clean work area, and performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess and maintain a clean, current Texas driver’s license.
• Minimum 1-year previous related experience preferred, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Must complete minimum specialized training requirements within one year of hire.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, physical, and psychological examination.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge: Some knowledge of municipal jail operations and general office equipment/clerical operations.
• Skills: Uses logic/reasoning to analyze situations, exercises judgment in prioritizing tasks, and demonstrates critical thinking/problem-solving.
• Abilities:
  • Assess and manage schedules.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Understand and carry out written/oral instructions.
  • Establish/maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
  • Maintain complex logs, records, and files; prepare accurate documentation.
  • Present information effectively to management.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit, stand, crawl, talk, hear, and manipulate objects.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.
• Maintains security of assigned areas involving long periods of sitting/standing, climbing stairs/ladders.
• Ability to walk, kneel, push, stoop, twist, reach above shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb, identify colors, hear (with aid), see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, and operate motor vehicles/equipment.
• Perceives depth and operates firearms.

Work Environment

• Work is generally performed inside buildings (including confined spaces) and in open fields, residential/commercial structures.
• Noise levels may be loud.
• Exposure to all types of weather conditions and equipment/machinery.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Personal computer (word processor, spreadsheets, project management software).
• 10-key calculator, phone, copy machine, fax machine.