Corrections Officer

Corrections Officer

Are you looking to begin your career in a rewarding, impactful field that provides a variety of career options and excellent benefits? Do you thrive in a fast-paced working environment where no day is the same? Join the ranks of St. Louis County Justice Services by becoming a Corrections Officer!

As a Corrections Officer, you will utilize and develop a multitude of skills while being responsible for maintaining security and order within the correctional facility. This role provides public safety and involves supervising inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and incarcerated individuals.

Why You Should Consider a Career as a Corrections Officer:

Impactful Work: You'll play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, contributing to public safety and the rehabilitation of individuals within the facility.

Personal Growth: This career offers numerous opportunities for personal development, including skills in conflict resolution, crisis management, and leadership.

Job Stability: Reliable career path with opportunities for advancement within the field.

Community Contribution: By helping to maintain order and security, you contribute to the betterment of society and support efforts to rehabilitate individuals and reduce recidivism.

Varied Experience: Each day presents new challenges and situations, ensuring a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Comprehensive Benefits: St. Louis County offers its employees a variety benefits to meet the needs of its diverse workforce including paid medical insurance, 20 days of PTO (paid time off) the first year and increasing with seniority, and 11-12 paid holidays, 480 hours of paid parental leave, and a robust Wellness Plan. Other benefits include: paid life insurance, credit union, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, pre-tax premium pay plan, dependent care and medical expense reimbursement plans, and short and long term disability insurance.

Team Environment: Work closely with dedicated professionals who share a commitment to maintaining safety and upholding justice.

Pay: Starting base pay for these roles is $22.03 hourly ($45.822.40 annually). In addition, there is a 10% differential paid for working evening or night shifts.

Examples of Duties:

Corrections Officers provide a wide variety of duties to include:

• Security Management: Monitor and control inmate activities, ensuring adherence to facility rules and regulations. Conduct regular inspections to prevent contraband and maintain safety.
• Inmate Supervision: Oversee daily activities of inmates, including meal times, recreation, and work assignments. Provide guidance and support while maintaining authority.
• Incident Response: Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies or disturbances. Use de-escalation techniques and enforce protocols to manage conflicts.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of inmate behavior, incidents, and daily activities. Prepare reports as needed and ensure all documentation is up-to-date.
• Communication: Interact with inmates, staff, and visitors in a professional and respectful manner. Facilitate effective communication and address any concerns or issues that arise.
• Safety Protocols: Implement and follow safety procedures to protect yourself, colleagues, and inmates. Participate in training and drills to stay current on best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Clear police record that is free of felony convictions. Misdemeanors have to be approved for hire by the Director of Justice Services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly.
• Ability to handle the physical demands of the job to include extensive standing, walking, climbing stairs at least eight times daily per shift. Physical requirements also include using and lifting emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, AED, pepper spray, taser etc), bending, stooping, pulling, pushing, reaching overhead, continuously wearing an equipment belt, and using a breathing apparatus.
• Ability to listen for possible disturbances. Possess excellent observational skills and attention to detail and the ability to write related reports.
• Ability to work mandatory overtime and on any shift needed including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Some positions require possession of a valid driver's license.

Additional Information:

A selection committee will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant which will include recentness and appropriateness of the applicant's education and experience, answers to the supplemental questions, results of employment references investigated and any other appropriate information available. The selection committee will admit to the interview only those persons who possess the most job related qualifications and may establish admittance criteria beyond the minimum qualifications stated above. Responses provided to the interview questions listed under the Supplemental Question heading of this posting will comprise 100% of the applicant's earned grade. A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more to be eligible for appointment. Those receiving a passing grade will be referred to the department for further evaluation. Evaluations within the department will comprise of timed tests conducted at the Justice Center in Clayton on desktop computers. The first test will take approximately forty minutes and assess basic mathematic and grammatical skills as well as judgment as applicants are tasked with providing responses to short, scenario-based questions. The second test which also takes approximately forty minutes involves report writing in that applicants will be shown a short video (during which time they are allowed to take notes) then write a brief summary. Applicants who successfully complete these evaluations within the department will be interviewed by Justice Services staff at a later date and be subject to background screening prior to hire. All applicants conditionally offered a merit position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Screening will be performed by a reputable clinical laboratory. The cost of screening will be covered by the County.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.