Correctional Officer (RCMC)

Maintains custody of men at the Rapid City Minimum Center by enforcing institutional operations memorandum and procedures. The role ensures safety and security of inmates and employees while maintaining confinement conditions. Officers are assigned a specific post (control room, cell hall, visit room, recreational area). Typical duties include observing inmates in all areas, supervising duties and monitoring work, preparing incident reports, conducting counts, escorting inmates, searching cells and visitors, controlling gates, and responding to crises. Responsibilities Observe inmates in cell halls, recreation areas, dining halls, school, health services, and shower rooms. Supervise inmates by assigning duties and monitoring work. Prepare reports of incidents and rule infractions. Conduct inmate counts and maintain log books. Escort and transport inmates to and from appointments. Inspect and search cells, common areas, inmates, and visitors. Monitor and control gates and cell doors. Respond to crisis situations. Conditions Of Employment Successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, written and practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum. Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics: Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist. Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down. Use arms, palms of hands, and feet to deliver blows. Withstand impact on own body from strikes/blows. Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic. Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions. Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and while on assignment. Must be able to see and hear to observe, address, and respond to potential breaches in safety and security. Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury. Demonstrate body agility and strength of all four limbs and ability to walk and climb stairs consistently. Must be able to work 12‑hour rotating shifts including holidays and weekends. Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control, or restraint of another person. Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, using tactfulness and a congenial manner. Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial and ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders. Communicate by talking, listening, and signaling to convey or exchange information and assignments. Work in environments with fluctuating noise and temperature, including inclement weather and concrete floor/wall settings. Willing and able to travel and work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) including a rotating shift schedule. Tuberculosis screening is required for all new employees upon hire. The Ideal Candidate Will Have Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. May be required to undergo an abuse and neglect screening. High school diploma or GED. Knowledge Of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ability To Effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing. Apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry. Participate in the criminal justice system regarding treatment of inmates, including state statutes, ADA, PREA, and administrative regulations. Observe and hear to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and communicate pertinent information verbally. Maintain accurate inmate counts and monitor whereabouts. Use intermediate keyboarding skills and communicate via computer‑based email. Record events in written, comprehensive, legible manner. Incorporate the South Dakota DOC mission statement in daily duties. Communicate respectfully with offender families and the public. Control, direct, and instruct offenders individually and in groups. Work respectfully with a diverse population. Remain alert and observant throughout shift. Conduct searches per policy (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip, or vehicle). Use fingers to detect attributes of objects and manipulate security equipment. Safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors. Learn and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers safely and professionally, as outlined in policy. Operate communications equipment professionally (two‑way radio, telephone, PA). Follow chain of command and safety protocols. Respond quickly to emergencies (fights, medical emergencies, fires, escapes). Use physical force to control a situation. Climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift. Interpret and apply department policies and institutional orders. Function Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas. Manning an armed post (required annual firearms certification). Monitor facility perimeter. Maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders. Escort and transport offenders in authorized state vehicles while armed. Monitor visiting areas. Conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts. Conduct searches per policy. Inspect facility and cells for health, safety, and sanitation standards. Inspect inmate mail. Use proper protocols when responding to emergencies. Follow established tool and key control procedures. Attend shift briefings. Document incidents using established reporting practices. Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors. This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. Retirement qualified as Class B under the South Dakota Retirement System. We provide uniforms and a competitive hourly wage ranging from $25.50 to $30.00 depending on experience. Employee benefits include a health insurance option, eleven paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options. South Dakota Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr