Correctional Officer - Lateral

About the role

This uniformed corrections position is responsible for maintaining security and discipline at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on any shift as assigned by the Assistant Bureau Chief or Bureau Chief. Duties are performed with close supervision from a Field Training Officer, Correctional Officer II or higher. Initial assignments are carried out in accordance with current policies and procedures with structured on-the-job training throughout a 12-month probationary period. The employee participates as a team member with other correctional personnel in maintaining a safe, secure and controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain direct supervision, security and control over inmate population; enforce facility rules, regulations and disciplinary standards
• Submit written reports of violations or irregularities to supervisory staff
• Maintain a system of regular and on-going counts of the inmate population; participate in routine searches and cell shakedowns to control contraband
• Conduct frequent security checks to ensure the safety and security of the inmate population as well as the overall condition of the facility
• Observe inmate activity and behavior patterns to detect and prevent disturbances, escape attempts and security violations
• Auxiliary in physically controlling dangerous situations
• Escort inmates to and from in-house activities and remain present to enforce safety and security
• Transport inmates to other locations outside the facility
• Process incarcerates into the facility according to standard procedures; prepare records of personal items and maintain responsibility for inmate property control
• Distribute sanitation supplies, deliver mail, and issue bedding and clothing to inmate population
• Communicate with the public on matters of visiting hours, inmate phone call periods, authorized articles for inmates and other inmate related information
• Communicate with attorneys, bondsmen, law enforcement agencies and the courts as necessary
• Operate radio equipment, electric security doors, monitor cameras and life safety systems, control access to restricted areas by security keys
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum age 18 years by completion of background process
• U.S. citizenship
• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Valid driver's license with the ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
• Current certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) as a Correctional Officer

Benefits

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan).
• This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary
• Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Examination Process

• An evaluation of training and experience
• An oral examination administered before a panel
• One or more personal interviews
• A pre-employment polygraph test (inquires include criminal, credit, drug use and personal history)
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test, to include testing for marijuana
• A pre-employment psychological examination (written and oral)
• A pre-employment background investigation conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office

Retirement Plan

• A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees.
• Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification.
• The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit.
• Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance

• County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs.
• The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions.
• Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
• Dental Insurance Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee.
• Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

Flexible Spending Accounts

• The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses).
• Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact