Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

The basic purpose of this position is to maintain order and security in a correctional institution. Incumbents of positions in this area maintain care and custody of inmates detained or sentenced to the Essex County Correctional Facility, ensuring that established policies and procedures are followed; supervise their occupational, vocational, and recreational activities; patrol correctional facilities; observe conduct and behavior of inmates; investigate suspicious inmate activity; and perform related work as required. Incumbents hold the sworn office of Correctional Officer and provided the opportunity to become a Deputy Sheriff.

Works under the direct supervision of senior correction officers or a correction employee of higher rank who provide instruction and guidance, assign work and review performance through oral and written reports for adherence to policy and conformance with rules and regulations.

Exercises direct supervision over, assign work to, and review performance of correctional officers and other personnel on behalf of his/her immediate supervisor. Oversee activities of inmates assigned to various work crews.

Essential functions include:

• Maintain custodial care and control of inmates detained or sentenced to the Essex County Correctional Facility by escorting them under restraint; patrolling facilities; making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of building, grounds and inmate quarters.
• Monitors inmate movements and whereabouts.
• Supervises and directs inmates during work assignments in order to maintain order and security.
• Observes conduct and behavior of inmates, noting significant behavioral patterns, to prevent disturbances, violence, escapes, or other crises such as suicides.
• Notes and investigates suspicious inmate activity relative to contraband by searching individuals, packages, mail and inmate quarters for weapons or other forbidden devices, objects, and material.
• Develops working relationships with inmates by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services (medical, psychiatric, vocational, etc.) as needed to aid in rehabilitation and to foster an atmosphere of cooperation between inmates and staff.
• Prepares written reports on such occurrences as fires, disturbances, accidents, security breaches, etc.
• Makes entries into unit log of daily activities and reviews daily activity reports to have accurate and up to date information.
• Perform related duties such as screening visitors; operating two-way radios; carrying and operating firearms, serving food to inmates, etc.
• Assist in transporting inmates outside of facility.
• Prepare disciplinary, informational, and confidential reports.
• Uses physical force in a lawful manner, in accordance with the Essex County Sheriff's Department policies and procedures, to maintain or restore order.
• Carries and uses firearms when authorized in a safe and lawful manner.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work vary based on location.