Correctional Services Officer (Part-Time)

Jail Officer Position

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.

Under general supervision of full-time staff, performs duties related to booking, monitoring and maintaining order among inmates in a direct supervision jail facility. This part-time classification is distinguished by the need to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the performance of duties within specific areas of responsibility in a Type II jail facility that uses a "direct supervision" inmate management philosophy. Incumbents will work independently under the indirect supervision of designated full-time jail or police department personnel. Note: CalPERS (CA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM) retired annuitants are not eligible for this position.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Assists in monitoring the conduct of inmates in a variety of custodial situations within a jail facility.
• Performs inmate intake processes by searching, accepting property, checking criminal history records, booking, issuing clothing, fingerprinting and photographing inmates.
• Ensures that inmate property is recorded and safely secured.
• Escorts inmates to housing modules from attorney visits, medical visits, and inmates returning from court.
• Escorts and directs inmates to recreational, operational and rehabilitative activities; observes interaction and verbally or physically intervenes if necessary.
• Assists in ensuring that the facility is clean, well-maintained and secure.
• Monitors condition of jail facility, identifies hazards or maintenance issues and refers matters requiring attention to appropriate personnel.
• Receives, resolves or attempts to resolve complaints or requests from inmates; refers matters to supervisors.
• Completes appropriate records such as assignment logs, transfer and release paperwork, etc.
• Responds appropriately to inquiries regarding inmates.
• Receives and checks incoming and outgoing mail and correspondence.
• Observes and directs activities during inmate visits.
• Enforces jail rules and prepares written documentation concerning incidents or violations.
• Controls or assists in monitoring access to attorney rooms and visiting areas within the facility.
• Assists in processing inmates for court appearances as necessary.
• Operates department vehicle to pick up medications from local pharmacies, as needed.
• Operates manual and electronic jail security systems.
• Provides escort services for maintenance staff and other service providers within the jail facilities.
• Performs administrative tasks updating classification or housing information, serving subpoenas, processing paperwork and preparing memos and reports.
• Assists in ensuring that operations comport to applicable state and federal laws concerning the confinement and security of inmates as well as other administrative regulations, judicial rulings, and Police Department manuals, policies and regulations.
• Performs other related functions as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

Sufficient training, education, and/or experience to demonstrate the skills and abilities listed below; successful completion of pre-employment process including comprehensive background investigation with no felony convictions; 18 years of age at the time of application.

Skill in: Exercising safe and effective communication skills; basic typing and computer use. Ability to: Maintain security, control and custody of inmates; provide clear and direct instructions on rules, regulations and procedures; interact with people of varied social, economic and cultural backgrounds; develop and maintain accurate records and prepare thorough but concise reports: utilize various management information systems and automation tools to maintain and access information and electronic communications via desktop computer systems and computer networks; make decisions on effective courses of action in emergency situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; work effectively under minimal supervision. NOTE: Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license as a condition of employment. Tattoo Policy: Tattoos shall not be visible while employees are on-duty. If you have any visible tattoos on or behind the ear, on the hands or fingers, on the neck or head that cannot be covered by a standard collared uniform shirt, you do not meet our tattoo policy and you will not be able to continue in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the tattoo policy, please contact Background Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Daniel Baek via e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io Candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete an eight-week correctional officer training academy. Attendance dates are to be determined.

Selection process:

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form and answer the supplemental questionnaire online. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications, as well as responses to the supplemental questionnaire, will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and Police Department. A Personal History Statement and Background Investigative Questionnaire, completed by candidates prior to the end of the selection process, will also be reviewed by the Police Department. Applicants that possess the most recent and pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which includes (may be administered/scored in a different order than what is listed below): 1. REACT Test: (50%) includes multiple-choice video simulations and computer administered test in which candidates must complete the following four components: a video-based human relations test, a reading test, a math test and a report writing test. Testing takes approximately 2 hours. The examination is administered by the National Testing Network. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE REACT EXAM UNTIL YOU RECEIVE AN E-MAIL STATING THAT YOU MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. Candidates need a score of 75% or higher on the Video Section, 70% or higher on the Count Section, and 80% or higher on the Reading Section to pass this examination. The following three selection components (#2 Physical Agility Examination, #3 Oral Interview Examination and #4 Background Review) are all consolidated in one full day of testing. 2. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION: (Qualifying) will evaluate each applicant's physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components: 1.5 MILE RUN: The 1.5 mile run must be completed within 14 minutes to pass the City of Santa Ana physical agility test. 50 YARD SPRINT: Sprint on a straight track within 30 seconds. OBSTACLE COURSE: Complete the following: Start 15 yards back from the beginning of flight of stairs or bleacher steps, walk or jog the 15 yards, climb up 10 steps, return down the stairs and jog or run back to the original starting point within 30 seconds. BODY DRAG: Lift and drag 165-pound lifelike dummy 20 feet within 20 seconds. Each of the above events are timed. Candidates must successfully complete all four events to pass the physical agility test. ***Some components may be waived Tentative 2026 CO PAT Dates: 02/19/26, 03/14/26, 04/23/26, 05/21/26, 06/25/26, 07/23/26, 08/27/26, 09/24/26, 10/22/26, 11/19/26, 12/17/26 3. ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (50%) will evaluate experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination. 4. BACKGROUND REVIEW: (Qualifying) prepare personal statement, receive background packet and meet with background investigator. 5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND MANAGEMENT ORAL INTERVIEW: (Qualifying) candidates will be investigated regarding employment, neighborhood conduct, references, financial stability, criminal history, driving history, educational history, and other related factors. Management will evaluate each candidate's experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination. 6. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: (Qualifying) candidates will take a polygraph examination designed to determine the truthfulness of the candidate's responses about his/her qualifications and suitability as a Correctional Officer. 7. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: (Qualifying) candidates will be interviewed by a licensed psychologist to assess the candidate's behavior and character to determine if an individual is at significant risk for employment problems as a Correctional Officer. BILINGUAL ORAL FLUENCY EXAM: (If applicable) Applicants interested in receiving bilingual pay must be fluent in both English and any one of the following languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean,