Correctional Officer

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results‑oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community. Under general supervision, performs functions related to the incarceration and care of inmates during a shift. Salary listed does not include incentives, some of which are listed below. Incentive Pay Shift Overlap: 3% Career Development Pay Associate's Degree: 5% Bachelor's Degree: 7.5% Master's Degree: 10% Bilingual: $300 Longevity Pay Completion of 15 years: 2.5% Completion of 20 years (additional 2.5%) Ensures the safety of inmates and staff in a direct‑supervision correctional environment. Adheres to state and federal laws related to the confinement and supervision of inmates. Completes the arrestee booking process and conducts searches of those in custody. Conducts interviews with inmates. Performs record checks and issues citations. Fingerprints and photographs inmates. Accepts and secures property to be used for evidence or held for safekeeping. Dispenses clothing and linen to inmates. Inspects jail facilities for cleanliness and maintains appropriate security and maintenance standards. Supervises inmates assigned to the various housing units; supervises a variety of housing‑unit activities that include meal distribution, use of the showers, use of phones, visitation, recreation, and ensures inmates maintain general housing‑unit sanitary standards. Supervises the administering of oral medication to inmates by medical staff. Performs administrative duties such as scheduling and prepares basic incident reports. Records daily activities on electronic logs documenting inmate meal distribution, headcounts, inmate visitation, property distribution, bookings, and other significant events. Oversees and instructs groups of inmates assigned work details. When necessary, physically restrains inmates, uses defensive weapons as directed by the on‑duty supervisor; secures inmates into restraint chairs or similar equipment, when necessary. Monitors visitors/contract employees entering and exiting the facility and supervises their contact with inmates. Processes inmate correspondence, monitors inmate phone calls and processes inmate request slips. Responds to inmate grievances and conducts disciplinary hearings. Prepares for the transportation of inmates by applying restraint equipment and inspecting vehicles for safety. Escorts inmates throughout the facility. Processes inmates for release. Oversees and controls jail movement from a central control room. Testifies in court. May be assigned to transport inmates outside of the jail facility if assigned to the Jail Transport Unit. Performs related functions as required. Characteristics of Successful Performers Successful performers are courteous and fair‑minded when dealing with prisoners and the public. Logical and level‑headed, these individuals display common sense and maturity and exercise good judgment when evaluating and responding to situations. They react appropriately and quickly in both crisis and routine situations. In addition, they have excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work well with people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Qualifications Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Sufficient training and/or experience conducive to the skills and abilities listed below. Candidates must possess and retain a valid California Class C driver's license as a condition of employment. Skills Using effective communication skills to influence behavior and gain compliance Basic typing and computer knowledge Organizational skills Dealing effectively with a wide variety of people Writing reports Abilities Maintain security, control, and custody of inmates in an assigned facility Effectively and expeditiously search persons and identify contraband and potentially dangerous items Escort and restrain inmates Respond to emergency or stressful situations quickly, calmly and decisively Observe situations and recall facts Interact with people of varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds Communicate in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner to relay information and gain compliance Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others Render emergency first aid Understand and follow rules and oral and written instructions Perform basic arithmetic computations Maintain records and prepare reports Special Requirements Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, nights, holidays, and weekends. Officers will work any time of day as required, including times of city and/or civil emergencies. Candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete an eight‑week Correctional Officer training academy within the one‑year probationary period. Selection Process Participants will progress through the following components: React Test (50%) – multiple‑choice video simulations, reading, math, and report‑writing tests; approximately 2 hours. Physical Agility Examination (Qualifying) – 1.5‑mile run (≤14 min), 50‑yard sprint (≤30 sec), obstacle course (≤30 sec), body drag (165 lbs, 20 ft in 20 sec). All four events must be completed successfully. Oral Interview Examination (50%) – evaluates experience, training and personal qualifications; 70% or higher to pass. Background Review (Qualifying) – personal statement, background packet, meeting with background investigator. Background Investigation and Management Oral Interview (Qualifying) – assessment of employment, conduct, references, finances, criminal history, etc.; 70% or higher to pass. Polygraph Examination (Qualifying) – determines truthfulness of candidate's responses. Psychological Evaluation (Qualifying) – interview with a licensed psychologist to assess risk for employment problems. Applicants must pass every component of the selection process to be considered for appointment. Successful candidates may be placed on an eligible list and considered for vacancies. Bilingual Oral Fluency Exam If applicable, applicants interested in receiving bilingual pay must be fluent in both English and one of the following languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages designated by the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Prior to appointment, candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine minimum acceptable physical qualifications. The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr