CORRECTIONS SERGEANT

About the role

This position is for a KITCHEN SERGEANT at the Southwest Arkansas Community Corrections Center (SWACCC) in Texarkana. The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence‑based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders. All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety‑Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patients under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the activities of correctional officers by assigning and reviewing work, providing training, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure the safety and security of the facility by conducting regular inspections, including shakedowns and searches of inmates and facilities.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to policies and procedures by correctional staff and inmates.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents within the facility, including inmate disturbances, medical emergencies, and security breaches.
• Investigate and report incidents, inmate misconduct, and security breaches.
• Prepare detailed reports on incidents, inmate behavior, and security checks.
• Assist in the coordination of inmate transportation to medical appointments, court appearances, and other facilities.
• Provide guidance and support to correctional officers in handling difficult situations and resolving conflicts.
• Participate in shift briefings to discuss incidents, problems, and security issues.
• Maintain accurate records of inmate counts, incidents, and other relevant information.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of correctional security or law enforcement experience.
• Plus one (1) year of food service experience, or ServSafe Certification.

Qualifications

• Formal education equivalent of a high school diploma.
• Two years of experience in correctional security or law enforcement, including one year in a leadership capacity.
• Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series; promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, based on demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
• Other job‑related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

Skills

• Ability to develop and implement operational strategies to enhance facility safety and efficiency.
• Evaluate situations, incidents, and data to inform decisions and recommendations.
• Resolve disputes among staff or inmates diplomatically and effectively.
• Familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of public safety and security methods.

Pay

• Anticipated Starting Salary: $61,523.07
• Salary Range: $61,523 – $91,054