Correctional Officer (RCCF)

About the role

Maintains custody of women at the Rapid City Correctional Facility 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

• Observing inmates in cell halls, recreation areas, dining halls, school, health services, and shower rooms.
• Supervising inmates by assigning duties and monitoring work.
• Preparing reports of incidents and rule infractions.
• Carrying out inmate counts and maintaining log books.
• Escorting and transporting inmates to and from inside and outside appointments.
• Inspecting and searching cells, common areas, inmates, and visitors.
• Monitoring and controlling gates and cell doors.
• Responding to crisis situations.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Successful applicant(s) may have to undergo an abuse and neglect screening.
• High school diploma or GED.

Qualifications

• Knowledge Of 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.
• Function monitoring and controlling access to the facility and restricted areas.
• Manning an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification).
• Monitoring facility perimeter.
• Maintaining 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.
• Documenting incidents utilizing established reporting practices.
• Communicating pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Skills

• Physical fitness and agility.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to make quick decisions.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures.

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

• $25.50 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• Pay Grade: GG.

Schedule

• Work 12-hour shifts (6 a.m. - 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.).
• Work every other weekend along with some holidays.