Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

This Officer performs work in the supervision, custody and non-professional counseling of inmates at the Luzerne County Division of Corrections on an assigned shift. This officer directs inmate activities in cellblocks, housing units, day rooms, work areas and recreation areas. The officer observes inmates from tower, on corridors, and in visiting areas to ensure security is maintained and all facility rules are adhered to. The officer provides guidance and advice in assisting inmates in their adjustment to and participation in correctional processes. This officer's work varies from duties where there is direct involvement with inmates, to work where there is limited contact with inmates and visitors. This officer is directly supervised and his performance is reviewed for adherence to facility rules and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspects inmate living areas for cleanliness, contraband, stolen items and escape implements, plans or procedures.
• Observes inmate behavior for signs or duress and/or escape.
• Instruct inmates on personal hygiene and housekeeping duties.
• Quells disturbances and reports inmates involved.
• Escorts inmate to/from hospital and special activities.
• Informs inmates of any rules and/or procedure changes.
• Answers any inmate inquiries.
• Monitors all housing units for fire hazards and/or suspicious occurrences.
• Ensures inmate living areas are suitable.
• Maintains security during exercise and recreation times.
• Operates electronic equipment to open doors allowing entrance or exit to facility, day rooms, housing units, etc.
• Administers emergency first aid to inmates or other employees, ensures injured persons are taken to dispensary.
• Checks inmate passes and records all inmate movement.
• Signs visitors in/out of visiting areas, searches all visitors.
• Ensures inmates do not receive contraband.
• Works the guard towers; observing the facility complex to ensure there are no escapes, unauthorized persons, fire or anything suspicious.
• Issues laundry, supplies and clothing to inmates.
• Officer will periodically observe inmates during showers to make sure inmate is taking shower and not causing a disturbance.
• Assists other officers in emergency situations.
• Supervises inmates on the blocks to ensure they are fed in an orderly manner, maintaining security during meal periods.
• Controls access to/from inmate housing units/cell blocks.
• Moves groups of inmates in an orderly manner from one area of the institution to another.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Bureau of Corrections Minimum Standards
• Facility Rules, Regulations, and Procedures.
• Luzerne County Division of Corrections Code of Ethics.
• Inmate Resocialization Procedures.
• Individual and Group Behavior Patterns.
• Search and Inspection Procedures.
• Basic First-Aid Procedures.
• Housekeeping Activities.
• Security and Fire Safety Practices.

Skills:

• Use of Firearms.
• Riots Procedures.
• Self Defense.

Ability:

• Cope with crisis situations.
• Follow orders explicitly.
• Relate to persons from any race, creed or color.
• Read, write, and speak English effectively.
• Direct activities of inmates under restraint in an understanding and effective manner.
• Observe and report any changes in inmate personality, demeanor, attitude and program participation.
• Remember names and faces.
• Pass a physical and psychological examination administered by the Luzerne County Division of Corrections Physician.

Any direct order given by Administration, Lieutenant, and/or Line Supervisor will thus be incorporated in the respective job description. This order will be either in written or oral form.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate from an accredited agency.
• Candidates must be 21 years of age and possess valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.
• Candidates must successfully complete a background investigation, and urinalysis screening for drugs.
• Candidates must pass firearms safety and qualification course as well as a physical fitness assessment (1/2 mile run and 45lbs footlocker lift and carry).
• Previous positive employment with a law enforcement agency and/or correctional institution. Or any equivalent combinations of experience and/or training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or moves up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

The County of Luzerne is an EEO/ADA employer