Correctional Officer (Berks County Jail System)

Job TitleControls and supervises inmates in open settings, including housing units, recreation areas, and work details, as well as in off-site settings, including transports, hospital duty, etc. Maintains physical security in the jail environment, provides inmates with direction, supervises visitors, and ensures that overall daily operations run smoothly and on time.Position Responsibilities: Essential FunctionsThe duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:Observes, monitors, and supervises the movement of inmates.Ensures inmate compliance with rules and regulations by correcting negative behavior through positive reinforcement or a written report of violations to a supervisor for disciplinary action.Conducts searches of inmates' cells and common areas for items of contraband.Prepares reports on inmate misconduct, security issues, and general informational reports.Conducts accurate inmate counts at prescribed times to ensure that all inmates are accounted for.Minimum Education and ExperiencePossess a high school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited agencyMust be at least 21 years of age or older - we will consider 18-20 years of age based on maturity and documented work experience.No felony convictions or misdemeanors for job-related offenses. Not presently serving probation or parole.Possess a valid PA driver's license.Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilitiesMinimum Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExcellent oral and written communication skills.Excellent planning skills, decision-making skills, and organizational skills.Participate in and adhere to employee drug testing procedures.Must not knowingly give any false or misleading information concerning duties, responsibilities, or actions at/to the facility or any member thereof, nor withhold any information that it is their duty to report, nor falsify any facility documents.Ability to complete all pre-employment screenings.Ability to handle/operate security and safety equipment relevant to the position, including weapons/firearms, restraints, two-way radios, keys, and air packs, etc.Demonstrate acceptable interpersonal communication (IPC) skills as they relate to staff and inmates.Ability to communicate effectively (in English) orally and in writing and demonstrate basic computer literacy.Attend and successfully complete the Berks County Jail System Correctional Officer Basic Orientation Training Program.Qualify with all the jail's duty weapons.Be certified in, or successfully complete as part of training, First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification.Work in any Berks County Jail System facility at any post or position as assigned and needed.Be capable of working any shift, any day, including holidays and traditional weekends.Attend and successfully complete in-service training on any of the topics taught there.Ability to handle stress.Physical presence in the facility is required.Physical Demands: Essential FunctionsAbility to stand for extended periods of time, often in excess of 3 to 4 hours.Ability to lift/carry or assist another to lift/carry in excess of 100 pounds (occasionally), for a span up to ¼ mile.Ability to traverse stairs up to four stories and climb ladders as required for duty assignments.Ability to engage in physical exertion at any given moment in response to an emergency situation or to control or subdue a resisting inmate and supervise such actions.Stamina to avoid health-related issues and the ability to deal with stress daily.Ability to walk at least one mile.Ability to handle/operate all security, safety, maintenance, and other equipment relevant to the position, including but not limited to weapons/firearms, restraints, keys, radios, telephones, computers, copiers, air packs, vehicle, etc.Vision correctable to 20/20 and hearing abilities that are natural or corrected to the normal range of hearing. May not be affected by color blindness to any degree that would prevent him/her from effectively performing job duties.Ability to pull grill gates and doors (up to 30 lbs.) at least three times daily.Ability to reach overhead at full arm's length regularly.Working EnvironmentRequires working within the confines of a secure jail.Requires working in loud, small, and communal workspaces.Requires working in an environment where personal safety may be of concern.Requires working in an environment where there is possibility of foul odors.Requires working in extreme heat and/or cold.Requires working in an environment where cameras are present and utilized.Requires working beyond 8 hours a day.May require working an additional 8-hour shift (forced overtime) with little or no prior notice to ensure minimum staffing on the next shift.Requires working with inmates (prostitutes, drug addicts, etc.) in a potentially high-risk communicable disease environment (AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.), where some inmates are incarcerated for violent crimes including murder.About UsEqual Employment Opportunity Statement:The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.About the TeamMission Statement:It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.Job InfoJob Identification 1111Degree Level High School GraduateJob Schedule Full timeLocations 1287 County Welfare Rd, Leesport, PA, 19533, US