Correctional Officer

Corrections Officer

The County of Northumberland offers a full benefits package to employees including health insurance, prescription, vision, dental, vacation, holiday, sick, personal time, and retirement. Employment with Northumberland County may qualify you for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Position Summary

Under direction, supervises inmates on assigned shift, enforces rules and regulations to ensure personal safety and that of staff and inmates; prevent escapes, maintain order and discipline and escort inmates to and from their assigned housing units. This work is distinguished by the severity of consequences in the error and the on-going threat to personal safety.

What You'll Do

• Observe inmates, monitor behavior during movements, recreation time, visitation, meals and other activities. Communicate established limits for behavior and consequences and enforce rules of conduct and security. Prepare written reports or verbal reports of significant violations or irregularities or relief officers and/or shift supervisors.
• Inspect cells, dormitories, yards, work locations and other assigned areas within the facility for unauthorized objects or materials; check sanitary conditions, and fire and safety hazards.
• Certify commitment, transfer or discharge documents. Evaluate, screen and conduct pat and visual searches. Store, log and return inmate property. Notify shift supervisor of special circumstances with inmates.
• Assist adverting riots and escapes; assist in physically suppressing aggressive acts undertaken by prisoners in accordance with established policy.
• Distribute cleaning and sanitation supplies, personal laundry and bedding for inmates.
• Escort medical staff in the distribution of medication.
• Complete forms and update records to ensure ongoing documentation of operation.
• Receive incoming telephone calls, respond to request(s) for information in a profession and intelligent manner, provide basic information as required.
• If serving as a shift supervisor in the absence of a sergeant or lieutenant, ensure work assignments are completed in accordance with policy, train new employees, intervene and direct staff in crisis situations in accordance with procedures.

Job Requirements/Skills & Abilities

• Tenets of Corrections Officer training.
• Department policy, procedure, rules and regulation
• Knowledge of behavior modification principles.
• Crisis Management.
• Typing.
• Basic Computer Orientation.
• Basic Understanding and operation of prison security systems.
• Application of corrections officer training to daily situations.
• Recognition of safety threats and respond appropriately.
• Demonstrate physical fitness and use physical force in a crisis situation.
• Apply disciplinary measures in a fair and impartial manner.
• Remain calm when confronted with hostile actions or verbal abuse.
• Prepare accurate reports.
• Adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and application of policy and procedure.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, staff and inmates.
• Demonstrate polite and courteous manner toward the public.

Minimum Training & Experience

• Any combination of education and experience which indicates possession of skills, knowledge and abilities listed below. An example of acceptable qualifications for this position is completion of a high school degree or equivalent, at least eighteen (18) years of age and the physical condition and ability to successfully complete correctional officer mandatory training.

Employment Category

• Full-Time- 40 hours per week, 5 days per week
• Part-Time
• On call

Working Conditions

Be prepared to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with the possibility of mandatory overtime and emergency call-ins. Work is performed in a crowded setting, involves frequent threats to personal safety and requires frequent interaction with angry or upset individuals.

General Physical Requirements

· Mobility and Endurance: Be capable of standing or walking for prolonged periods, including during shifts that may extend beyond eight hours. Officers should also be able to run, climb stairs, and navigate various terrains and surfaces to respond to emergencies or pursue escaping inmates.

· Strength and Physical Control: Posses the ability to lift and carry heavy objects, often exceeding 50 pounds, such as emergency equipment or during the physical restraint of combative inmates. Officers may need to drag individuals weighing over 100 pounds in rescue scenarios.

· Flexibility and Dexterity: Perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and grasping. These movements are essential for conducting searches, handling equipment, and managing inmates.

· Environmental Tolerance: Work in various conditions, including exposure to extreme temperatures, wet or humid environments, and potentially hazardous situations involving volatile individuals or communicable diseases.

· Sensory Acuity: Maintain adequate vision and hearing to monitor inmate activities, detect unusual sounds, and observe environmental cues that may indicate security breaches or emergencies.

· Communication Skills: Effectively communicate verbally and in writing to coordinate with staff, manage inmates, and document incidents accurately.

· Psychological Resilience : Demonstrate the ability to handle high stress situations, including potential confrontations with inmates, and emergencies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required to perform the job.

Reports to: Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Warden & Warden

Supervises: Inmates

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt