CORRECTIONS OFFICER

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

It shall be the duty of all prison officers to see to the custody and safekeeping of all prisoners, in a sanitary, humane, and orderly manner. Every possible effort should be made to see that the rights and privileges granted by law to prisoners are not denied them. Prison officers who become aware of any infraction of the prison rules whether by inmates or by other prison employees, shall report such violations to the supervisor. Any such violation constituting a threat to the prisoner himself, to other people’s safety, or to prison security, shall be reported in writing to the warden’s office via the supervisor. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Observe inmate behavior, looking for signs of potential problems. 
• Patrol areas of the prison 
• Supervise inmate movement throughout facility, including inmate workers 
• Maintain order in facility, detect and prevent disturbances 
• Enforce rules and regulations of the facility 
• Inspect facility for cleanliness, contraband, and implements of escape 
• Prepare reports of incidents and other required reports 
• Conduct appropriate searches of inmates and living areas 
• Direct and admit visitors, including recording of visits and implementation of rules and restrictions on visitors 
• Monitor church services and pastoral visits 
• Work effectively with other correctional staff, including all departments and contracted service providers or vendors 
• Regulate ingress and egress from cells, cellblocks, and housing units 
• Attend required training 
• Respond as directed by other proper authorities in event of an emergency 
• Effective communication of rules and responsibilities to inmates 
• Inspect and distribute mail 
• Provide back-up security efforts to other corrections officers as needed 
• Assist in commitments and releases of inmates 
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms 
• Perform other duties as required to ensure smooth operation of the institution 

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS 

• High School Diploma 
• Pennsylvania Driver’s License 
• Pass physical examination 
• Pass criminal background check 
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application. 
• Ability to react quickly in emergency situations 
• Ability to work without supervision 
• Ability to make decisions 
• Ability to work with others 
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to observe changes in inmate personality, demeanor, attitude, and degree of program participation and to identify unusual or suspicious behaviors. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.