Corrections Officer

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintains the security, safety and well-being of inmates in accordance with Minnesota Department of Corrections 2911 Rules Governing Adult Detention Facilities (Adult Jail). Follows State Statutes and Constitutional Standards, the principles of direct supervision, Scott County Sheriff's Office and Jail Division policies and procedures.

• Oversees, observes, monitors and manages inmates' behaviors, activities, and routines to ensure the safety of inmates and staff; takes appropriate action when warranted by inmates' behaviors; logs, records, documents and reports unusual behaviors observed and actions taken.

• Ensures and promotes an atmosphere of fair and objective treatment and ongoing communication with staff and inmates; handles routine, daily concerns and grievances of offenders.

• Communicates information with inmates about programs and educational or social opportunities available at the facility.

• Enforces rules of conduct and rules of the facility adhering to and promoting the principles of direct supervision; disciplines or initiates corrective action with inmates as is warranted by behavior and dictated by policy/law; thoroughly documents and reports all such incidents; preserves constitutional rights of inmates.

• Subdues inmates during altercations and/or defends self and others.

• Searches inmates as required and in accordance with policy and law.

• Transports inmates to/from court, medical appointments, other approved activities, and other institutions. Maintains security, control, and rules of conduct at all times.

• Intervenes in emergency situations, including fights, suicide attempts, medical issues, etc. by enforcing rules, following procedure, responding to calls for assistance, obtaining additional assistance, etc.; administers first aid and CPR as needed and authorized.  

• Distributes medication and carries out medical treatment as is prescribed and authorized. Keeps detailed records of such activity as policy dictates.

• Works collaboratively with law enforcement personnel and staff from other agencies to efficiently and effectively complete the booking process.

• Admits and orients new inmates, issues clothing, secures inmate property, informs and educates inmates on rules of conduct within the facility, and directs inmates to their living area.

• Staffs Master Control monitoring inmate, staff, and visitor activity via video surveillance systems inside the secure perimeter of jail and grounds surrounding the facility; controls movement within and through the facility and maintains security of the facility; operates the public address system and other security electronic controls.

• Performs extensive detailed data entry for the purpose of facility daily record-keeping, logs and report writing relating to inmates and facility activities.

• Drives county vehicles and transports inmates and staff as needed in the performance of work responsibilities.

• Coordinates, supervises and attends to inmate program activities specific to the inmate population needs and facility schedule.

• Attends mandatory and other training annually to develop knowledge, skills and abilities in Corrections field.

• May be assigned to duties such as, but not limited to: Bailiff, Field Training Officer, inmate programs, inmate classification, inmate hearing officer, radio maintenance, etc.

• As needed, enters warrants into local, state, and national computer systems.

• Testifies in court as needed and/or requested.

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

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of high school graduation and two years of post-secondary training or education in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Social Science, or the military. One must possess a valid driver's license and be 18 years of age.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for CPR and First Aid or First Responder Certification; Use of Force training; BA in Criminal Justice or related, and bilingual abilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is supervised by a Corrections Sergeant. Employee has latitude for decision-making within jail policy/procedure, statutes, and based on observation of behaviors and circumstances. Work assignments are received from a supervisor directly or in the form of Policy and Procedures and/or Post Orders. Work methods and results are reviewed by observation and through reports and discussion.

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 jail operations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles of Direct Supervision.

Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, Rules of Criminal Procedures, Minnesota Department of Corrections Chapter 2911 Rules, Constitutional rights and case law relating to jail operations.

Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of corrections, including use of force and diversity.

Knowledge of operation of department radio system.

Knowledge of Integrator Touch Screen Security System.

Abilities – Ability to interview others and use investigative techniques.

Ability to enter and retrieve data in various databases.

Ability to exert physical/mental effort at levels necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. Situations may include, but are not limited to restraining/controlling offenders, administering emergency first aid and CPR, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Ability to work rotating shifts that include prolonged movement in and around the facility moving with inmate activities.

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

Ability to think and react quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations.

Ability to exhibit good judgment, imagination, initiative, and problem solving capabilities in dealing with inmates.

Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively handling inmates firmly, tactfully, and impartially.

Ability to keep detailed records and prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to interpret and enforce facility rules and regulations.

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 use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in a 24/7, direct supervision, adult, detention/jail facility. Some travel and work outside the facility is required when transporting inmates to/from and supervising inmates at other locations. Duties involve ongoing contact, interaction, and supervision of inmates who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, and aggressive and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Work may also involve physical contact to restrain people. Employee will work alone with groups of criminal offenders. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple needs/demands. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours, as well as shift work are required.

Physical activities include medium to heavy work: Reaching, sitting, 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 and 75 pounds on occasion when pushing/pulling food, clothing, and garbage carts and as necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.