Correctional Officer

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for protecting the public by operating safe and secure facilities through the well-trained staff and effective offender management as well as fulfilling the needs of the county entities or contracted details.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Supervises the daily activities of 156 inmates, ensuring they obey the rules and ensure their whereabouts at all times.

• Provides a physical presence and face-to-face interaction with inmates.

• Reviews current policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

• Accounts for the inmates’ location at all times. 

• Keeps a log of all incidents and movements within the facility.

• Maintaining program integrity.

• Keeps up to date on emergency procedures.

• Maintains key control.

• Writes specific rules violated or special events. 

• Conducts strip searches and pat downs.

• Conducts frequent and unannounced searches for items not authorized, items altered from their original state, or items not issued by the institution.

• Inventories inmates’ personal property.

• Conducts administrative segregation and disciplinary isolation checks. 

• Aids in inmate rehabilitation – schedules work assignments and provides access to a counselor for educational opportunities.

• Maintains communication in daily prison functions.

• Maintains personal accountability.

• Prevents disturbances, assaults, and escapes. 

• Maintain POST certification through training.

• Attends recertification on weapons training on an annual basis.

• Trains assigned inmates on hazardous chemicals such as gasoline, 2 cycle oil, week killers and hydraulic fluids.

• Ensures the safety of the officer and inmates working dangerous environments like roadways, county roads, highways and interstates. 

• Trained in first aid, CPR and safety.

• Responsible for entering incident reports, institutional files, and disciplinary reports.

• Submits GCIC/NCIC background checks on all new arrivals, inmates pending release, inmate visitors and volunteers. Forwards to the Warden for final approval.

• Acknowledges new inmates arriving to Harris County Prison in Scribe; maintains population count.

• Compiles names of inmates who are in need of a detail or need to be reassigned due to disciplinary reasons and transfer request. Prepares paperwork and institutional files for Classification Committee. 

• During transport of inmates, ensures all inmates have been placed in restraints, facial images are taken, property search, vehicle has been inspected and weapon secured.

• Prepares pardon and parole discharge paperwork so the Counselor can discuss with the inmate. If needed, submits a clothing request and purchase bus tickets for transportation.

• Ensures all inmates have received/appropriate paperwork has been completed to be issued a Georgia Birth Certificate, driver’s license or Georgia ID card, and social security card upon release.

• Inspects all outgoing and incoming inmate mail for items that have not been approved to enter the facility. Decides if items being requested are approved according to GDC regulation.

• Makes contact with the Clerk of Courts to request final dispositions for inmates returning from court as well as law enforcement agencies on inmates with pending charges for verification on detainer status. 

• Prints all parole notification and detainer notification and dispersed to the appropriate staff member to be discussed with the inmate.

• Transports inmates to scheduled doctor appointments as well as Emergency Room visits.

• Assists in emergency situations and staffing shortages. Assists in the Control Room and monitor visitation of inmates’ family during weekends.

• Speaks with inmates’ family regarding issues with ordering packages, placing funds on account, phones not accepting calls, and property.

• Ensures supplies are ordered and remain in stock in read administration.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of standard operating procedures, 10-codes, and use of restraint during inmate transport.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software. 

• Knowledge of inventory process.

• Knowledge of firearms safety per standard operating procedure.

• Knowledge of documentation format.

• Knowledge of sanitation. 

• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Skill in prioritizing responsibilities.
• Skill in active listening.
• Skill in applying correct course of action in an emergency.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. 

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include Standard Operating Procedure 206.02 – Searches, Standard Operating Procedure 209.01 – Offender Discipline, Standard Operating Procedure 107.47 – Employee Standards of Conduct, Standard Operating Procedure 209.06 – Administrative Segregation and Disciplinary Isolation, Standard Operating Procedure 226.01 – Contraband Interdiction, Standard Operating Procedure 208.06 – Prison Rape Elimination Act, Standard Operating Procedure 225.02 – Emergency Plans, Standard Operating Procedure 209.04 – Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control, Standard Operating Procedure 507.04.74 – Communicable Diseases, Standard Operating Procedure 511.34 – Hazard Communication, Standard Operating Procedure 221.02 – Count Procedures, and Standard Operating Procedure 511.01 – Fire Safety. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related administrative, supervisory, and security duties. Inmate behavior, time constraints, and unpredictability coupled with stressful situations contribute to the complexity of the position. 

• The purpose of this position is to protect the public by operating safe and secure facilities through the well-trained staff and effective offender management as well as fulfilling the needs of the county entities or contracted details. Success in this position contributes to the mission of the prison by ensuring the safety of the general public and the inmates, the facility is secure, and all guidelines are met.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, Warden, Deputy Warden, representative of other correctional facilities, nurse, Clerk of Courts staff, Counselor, and general public.

• Contacts are typically to provide services, to resolve problems, and to give or exchange information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed at a desk while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee occasionally/frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes a sense of smell.

• The work is typically performed in a noisy office, and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, or grease and contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required; and

• More than two years of related experience required; or

• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• This position is required to supervise state inmate labor. Employee must pass P.O.S.T. certification within the timeframe required by this department, which is normally within six months, but may be altered.