Corrections Officer (DSS)

Job Summary

"Performs skilled professional corrections work in the supervision of adult or juvenile offenders housed in a 24/7 maximum security correctional facility. The employee oversees and controls security functions and activities related to the care, custody, and well-being of inmates through the principles of direct supervision. Under direct supervision of Corrections Sergeants, work with a diverse in-custody population to solve inmate issues and respond to emergencies. Performs work with, and under direction of Corrections Officer. The work involves an element of personal danger and physical exertion. Works assigned posts to include Housing Units in A-Pod, B, Pod, D-Pod, C-Pod, and Special Housing Units. Employees in this class shall be eligible for promotion into the Corrections Officer job class with supervisor approval after two (2) years of service that meets performance expectations."

Job Description

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.

• Assists Corrections Officer IIs with transports of 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.

• 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.

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

• Supervises 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.

• Testifies in court as needed and/or requested.

• Assist’s Corrections Officers with tasks.

• Does not work directly with Juvenile Inmates on a one-on-one basis.

• Does not work with newly admitted inmates in the booking an intake area.

• Does not work in the Master Control Area.

• Does not provide transportation to inmates.

• Does not work in a public facing area and has limited phone interactions with members of the public or other agencies.

• 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 one year of full-time work experience. 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; 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.

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.

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. The full hiring process for this position is lengthy and can take up to 12 weeks.