Corrections Sergeant

Job Summary

Performs professional correctional and supervisory functions as a first line supervisor in the Scott County Jail, a 24/7 maximum security correctional facility. The employee ensures the safe and secure operation of the facility by directly supervising the staff, operations, and activities within the building. Through the principles of direct supervision, the incumbent implements Scott County Policies and Procedures and Scott County Jail Policies and Procedures, maintaining control over daily operations, inmate residents, and jail personnel. Acting as communication liaison between Jail Administration and Corrections Officers, the incumbent models teamwork, accountability, communication excellence, and reliability to ensure the ongoing safety and welfare of inmates, staff, and facility visitors. Continuous monitoring of the operation and decision-making ability are paramount to success in this multi-task oriented role. The work involves an element of personal danger.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supervises Corrections Officers and program support staff, including, but not limited to, assigning and directing job duties, instructing employees in the performance of their work and providing constructive feedback, setting work schedules, approving leave requests, conducting performance evaluations, ensuring appropriate training, rewarding, disciplining, up to and including suspending.

• Oversees operational and facility compliance with United States Constitution, Minnesota Statutes, Minnesota Department of Corrections standards and rules, Rules of Criminal Procedure and Court Orders through supervision of facility staff and activities.

• Maintains the safety and well-being of inmates through evaluating them when they enter the facility, continuous monitoring and interaction with them, regular inspections, security checks, welfare checks, implementation of the facility classification plan, provides medical and related transports, approves or denies privileges based on set protocols, releases them per the conditions and timelines of the court, etcetera; holds assigned staff responsible for the same.

• Conducts ongoing staff development through regular equipment training, review of policy and procedures, communication updates at roll-call briefs, mentoring, writing action plans, etc.

• Monitors inmate behavior - subdues inmates during altercations and defends self/others.

• Conducts daily health, safety, and security inspections of the facility and grounds including work-release areas, housing areas, kitchen, and maintenance/supply areas; formally reports and follows-up on deficiencies and unsafe or unsecured conditions as observed.

• Investigates incidents involving staff or inmates; conducts interviews, files briefs, makes recommendations for action; issues discipline or corrective action as warranted

• Maintains written and computerized records; prepares reports; makes recommendations for policy of procedure changes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

• Receives inmate grievances and ensures they are resolved in a timely and appropriate manner; administers inmate discipline per policy and procedure.

• Oversees the processing, accurate entry, and handling of warrants ensuring compliance with legal orders; accurately serves out warrants upon defendant arrest and provides proper notice to court when required; follows-up on extradition requests.

• Reviews, monitors and addresses jail services issues including: Inmate accounting and financial issues and  commissary equipment and service issues; verifies inmate accounts; ensures appropriate monies are received for bail or other charges prior to release.

• Triages medical situations, including: authorizes after hours medical attention, refuses detention services when individuals are brought to the facility in need of medical attention; evaluates medical issues; ensures access to medication; ensures officers follow proper protocols for administering medical services.

• Performs duties of a Corrections Officer as dictated by the needs of the operation.

• Takes action in the event of emergencies making decisions and initiating an appropriate response (e.g. use of force, partial or full evacuations, lock-downs, or other extreme measures to address critical incidents or emergency situations.)

• Assists in the administration and completion of special projects as assigned.

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of an associate's degree in Corrections/Criminal Justice or in a directly related field and 3 years of directly related institutional corrections experience, including 2 years' work experience in the Scott County Jail System. One must possess a valid Driver's License for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for broad-based corrections and criminal justice experience to include post-secondary education and experience.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under the general direction and supervision of the Assistant Jail Administrator and Jail Administrator. In their absence, the Corrections Sergeant reports to the Chief Deputy. The employee works independently and uses professional judgment within the established County and department policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, evaluations, reports and results obtained.

The employee directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The employee promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge - Knowledge of Minnesota Statues, Rules of Criminal Procedures, Minnesota Department of Corrections Chapter 2911 Rules, Constitutional Rights, and case law relating to jail system operations.

Knowledge of jail operations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles and practices in the fields of inmate programs and corrections.

Knowledge of operation of department communication and alert systems.

Knowledge of County policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Knowledge of Integrator Touch Screen Security System.

Abilities - Ability to supervise and organize the work of others efficiently and effectively.

Ability to effectively respond both physically and mentally at levels inherent in performing the position's essential duties.

Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to lighted, colored, audible, and/or odorous warnings and devices.

Ability to work rotating shifts that include prolonged movement in and around the facility.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to lighted, audible devices, and/or odorous warnings.

Ability to maintain objectivity and perspective and react quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations.

Ability to exhibit mature judgment, imagination, initiative, and problem solving capabilities in dealing with staff, inmates, and the public.

Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, resolving situations decisively, tactfully, and impartially.

Ability to understand, communicate, and carry out complex oral and written directions.

Ability to prepare and maintain adequate records, concise reports, and appropriate maintenance/technical requests.

Ability to be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines, beginning and ending assignments on time, and scheduled work breaks, where applicable. 

Ability to become CJIS certified and maintain that certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in a 24/7, direct supervision, adult, detention/jail facility.  Duties involve ongoing contact, interaction, and supervision of inmates who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, aggressive and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. During the course of work, incumbents may at risk for exposure to bodily fluids and the blood borne issues associated with them. Work may also involve physical contact with inmates to restrain or subdue them when their behavior is out of control or threatening to others. At times incumbent will work alone with groups of inmates. Rotating, shift-based evening, night, weekend, and holiday hours are required.

Physical activities include sedentary to heavy work: Sitting, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, bending, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. Lifts or navigates up to 75 pounds in emergency situations and/or when restraining an inmate, when physical requirements are increased and more demanding in all areas listed.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience.  Top candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Final selection will include an oral interview, background investigation, physical exam, drug testing, & psychological evaluation, and approval by the County Board.