Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

Are you seeking to join a workforce with meaning? Is helping people something you are passionate about? Whether you are looking for a new start or to rejoin the workforce, the Walworth County Sheriff's Office is looking for individuals like you to join our Corrections division. Our Correctional Officers come from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.

As a Correctional Officer, you will serve the community of Walworth County by keeping all individuals inside and outside safe. No two days are alike within the Walworth County jail. Some days will be fast-paced while others could be slow-moving.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Gender-specific hiring is used only where required by law and operational necessity. All other Correctional Officer positions remain open to qualified applicants of any gender.

INTERACTIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

As a Correctional Officer, expanding and strengthening your communication skills are essential. You will expand your interpersonal communication skills to learn how to de-escalate situations, effectively communicate with inmates and collaborate effectively with your team while maintaining confidentiality. This will take place while strengthening your stress management, problem-solving and resilience in the workplace. Correctional Officers supervise and have direct contact with inmates to de-escalate situations, assess behaviors and monitor throughout the facility and community.

THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING

There are a wide variety of things that can and will happen while working in a county jail. You will be faced with difficult situations and complex issues that will require you to problem solve efficiently and promptly. You will learn Walworth County's policies and procedures to be able to handle situations or issues that arise with confidence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working in Walworth County's Jail, you must be able to safely multi-task by being able to conduct searches, supervise inmates and their movement, and write reports as needed. You'll be viewing cameras, monitors, control panels, and other jail equipment daily. You must be ready to respond to emergencies and evacuations at all times. Correctional Officers are assigned to one of three shifts on a rotating schedule in order to provide 24-hour per day, 7-day per week service. You will be assigned to work an 8.25-hour shift. Due to the 5 on/2 off, 5 on/3 off schedule, days off will include weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. Correctional Officers receive extra compensation for working holidays and a shift differential for working 2nd and 3rd shifts. The County applies seniority when assigning employees to a shift. Due to the 24-hour per day, 7-day per week work demands of the jail, overtime opportunities will also be available. You may be called to report to work early or stay late to ensure all shifts are fully staffed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Enforce Rules and Keep Order: Inside the jail, Correctional Officers enforce rules and regulations. They maintain security by settling disputes between inmates, preventing disturbances, assaults and escapes. Officers enforce regulations through effective communication and the use of progressive sanctions, which involve punishments, such as loss of privileges.

2. Supervise the Activities of Inmates: Correctional Officers supervise the daily activities of inmates, ensuring that inmates obey the rules. They must also ensure the whereabouts of all inmates at all times. Activities include meal distribution, medication distribution, laundry exchange, work assignments, sleeping and other regular housing activity.

3. Search for Contraband Items: Officers search inmates and their living quarters for contraband, such as weapons and drugs. In addition, Officers are responsible for screening visitors and incoming mail to ensure contraband is not brought into the jail.

4. Inspect Facilities to Ensure That They Meet Standards: Correctional Officers regularly inspect facilities. They check cells and other areas for unsanitary conditions, contraband, signs of a security breach (such as tampering with window bars and doors) and any other evidence of violations of the rules.

5. Report on Inmate Conduct: Correctional Officers must report any inmate who violates the rules. If a crime is committed within their institution or an inmate escapes, they help law enforcement authorities investigate and search for the escapee. Correctional Officers are responsible for writing reports and filling out daily logs detailing inmate behavior and anything else of note that occurred during their shift.

QUALIFICATIONS

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent; or will have obtained this by the date of hire. Prior experience in public safety or customer service will be very helpful, but not a necessity. You must have basic math skills as well as reading and writing since you will need to interpret document information from multiple sources in a fast-paced environment. Your work will involve using computers and technology so the ability to type and complete basic computer tasks is essential.

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Walworth County will provide you with the training required to become a successful Correctional Officer. Training includes, but is not limited to, 12 weeks of in-depth on the job training, and within the first year, attendance and successful completion of Wisconsin Basic Jail Academy, which is paid for by Walworth County. Correctional Officers are required to attend 24 hours of re-certification every year with different topics covered. We will provide you with the tools and support for you to achieve success.

SELECTION PROCESS

Formal Walworth County Electronic Application Education & Experience Review Oral Department Interview Law Enforcement Suitability Testing Extensive Background Investigation including Reference Check Post-offer Psychological Evaluation Post-offer Physical Examination including a Drug Screen Other job related tests may be required.