Corrections Officer, Full Time

About the role

The Corrections Officer is responsible for the overall care, custody, and control of detainees in the facility.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and updates Facility records (written and electronic) including detainee movement logs, cell searches, misconduct reports and updated housing.
• Instructs detainees on personal hygiene, general housekeeping duties and facility rules and regulations and answers questions.
• Observes detainee behavior and reports anything unusual to a supervisor.
• Inspects locks, doors, windows, walls, bars, and gates for tampering and irregularities.
• Processes detainee Legal Mail per policy and procedure.
• Responsible for inside and outside perimeter security checks.
• May be responsible for processing commitments and releases.
• Responsible for monitoring suicidal detainees or detainees with special behavioral problems.
• Search detainees, cells, housing units and multipurpose rooms for contraband.
• Supervises detainees during work assignments, recreation, meals, laundry, visitation and other activities.
• Prepares misconduct reports, extraordinary occurrence reports, chronological reports, other reports as needed.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies in the prison (which may include assaults, fires, riots, disturbances, natural disasters, medical emergencies and hostage situations).
• Responsible to work collectively with all departments and staff i.e.: case management, medical, maintenance, food service, in regards to their respective duties and security of the facility.
• Patrols assigned areas for cleanliness, contraband, stolen goods, and signs of escape plans or procedures.
• Maintains on-time regular attendance.
• Performs other related functions as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency and be 18 years of age at time of hiring.
• Special consideration will be given to those who possess a Bachelor's Degree (Preferably in Criminal Justice) and military service with an honorable discharge.
• Must be able to clear a background check and successfully complete the Correctional Academy.
• Must be hard working, dependable and willing to meet the needs of a challenging career.

Benefits

• Generous benefit package is available to include health care overage, holiday, sick, personal, vacation leave and more.

Education and Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent.

Additional Job Requirements

• Valid driver's license or State ID.
• Satisfactory pre-employment drug screen.
• Criminal background check and Prison Rape Elimination Act clearance (if applicable).

Education and Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as rules, regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy procedure manuals.
• Ability to write detailed reports nd correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before the public or employees of the Facility.
• Ability to make critical decisions in order to meet the facility's mission.
• Ability to compile clear, concise, oral and written reports.
• Ability to assist with initiating and establishing new programs, and to work within a team effort to advance management objectives.
• Good time management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to prioritize work, work independently without daily supervision, perform a variety of duties, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high-pressure atmosphere under sometimes severe time constraints.
• Patient, polite, and courteous when dealing with staff, clients, or members of the public despite provocative behavior.
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Pleasant personality with the ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships with all staff and individuals conducting business with the Facility.
• Interact professionally with this diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds on a regular basis.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, adaptability, leadership, and sound judgment.
• Ability to develop and implement facility Policy and Procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior.
• Knowledge of PA Code Title 37 Standards.
• Knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Ability to establish and maintain and to prepare records for the facility.
• Ability to testify in judicial and administrative proceedings to activities and findings.
• Ability to remember names and faces.
• Ability to physically defend self and others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in regard in detainee information and records.
• Possesses knowledge of behavioral patterns of Detainee/Gang affiliations.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Tools And Equipment

• Security restraints and equipment.
• Computer (with proficiency in jail management software and Microsoft applications).
• Telephone.
• Calculator.
• Portable radio.
• Copy machine.
• Fax machine.
• First aid equipment.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties.
• Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
• Emotional stability and mental alertness required to deal with human relations and emergencies.

Schedule and On-Call Requirement

• 12-hour shifts, unless otherwise deemed necessary.
• Ability to work the rotating shifts (including weekends and holidays) as required by a 24/7 operating facility.
• Ability to work mandatory overtime.