Correctional Officer

Investigative And Protective Services

This is investigative and protective services work involving the custody, security, discipline, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons committed to an adult correctional facility. Work includes monitoring prisoner behavior, directing and overseeing prisoner activities, participating in the development and implementation of treatment strategies, integrating daily activities with treatment goals, enforcing prisoner discipline, and preparing prisoner behavior and incident reports. Collateral duties are defined by the option (e.g. Cook, Trades Instructor, Retail Store, Supplies). Work is performed under general supervision.

Observes, monitors, controls, and evaluates the activity and movement of prisoners within a specified area in order to ensure observance of institutional rules and to ensure security and safety. Communicates behavioral observations to treatment teams and makes recommendations relative to corrective actions in order to participate in treatment strategy development and implementation. Counsels and advises prisoners regarding personal matters, institutional rules and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies in order to maintain order and assist prisoners in adjusting to institutional life. Intervenes in and controls acts of negative behavior and violence using physical force, restraints, firearms, chemical weapons, and other methods in order to ensure and maintain order and security. Evaluates potential problems as well as emergency situations and takes corrective action in order to maintain order and security. Serves as a fully participating, voting member of the Unit Management treatment team and is directly responsible for making decisions regarding transfers, classification status, and job assignments in order to assist in the rehabilitative process and ensure effectiveness of unit operations. Assists in the implementation of special treatment programs and on-site educational programs in order to participate in prisoner rehabilitation and treatment. Investigates and reports violations of institutional rules to supervisory officers in order to provide information and ensure and maintain safety and security. Assigns, directs, and oversees prisoners in various job assignments including but not limited to food preparation; ordering, receiving, storing, and issuing supplies; and retail store work in order to provide training, participate in prisoner rehabilitation, and ensure proper security. Instructs and teaches prisoners trade skills and work methods in order to develop job skills and prepare prisoners for work outside the institution upon release. Provides on-the-job training to officers, serves as job coach over entry-level staff during the job training period, and makes reports to supervisor in order to assist in the training, direction, and oversight of lower-level staff.

Knowledge of prisoner motivation and psychology. Knowledge of problems associated with institutional life. Knowledge of prisoner rehabilitation and treatment programs. Knowledge of correctional institution rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Ability to interpret and enforce correctional center rules, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures. Ability to perform various strenuous duties such as climbing stairs and/or escorting unruly inmates. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to write clearly and effectively. Ability to handle critical and stressful situations. Ability to read and perform basic math functions. Ability to observe situations and behavior in detail. Ability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency and dangerous situations. Ability to model appropriate behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals. Ability to utilize standard desktop computer technology (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet, e-mail).

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Some positions, based upon option, may require background education and/or experience in an appropriate field (e.g. food preparation; skilled trade/training experience; retail experience; supply room experience).

Certification of completion of the Basic Corrections Training Course and maintenance of the certification. Possession of a valid Maine driver's license.