Correctional Medical Staff

Correctional Medical Staff Position

As part of the Correctional Medical Staff, you will provide essential support and care to incarcerated individuals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.

Principal Accountabilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Assessment and Triage: Performs timely assessment and triage of incarcerated individuals' medical conditions, applying established clinical protocols and professional judgment to determine the necessity for, and facilitate access to, a higher level of medical care when indicated.
• Patient Care: Assist in providing direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or other healthcare professionals. This includes administering medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, managing chronic illnesses, prevention of communicable diseases, and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Medical Procedures: Assist healthcare professionals in performing medical procedures such as wound care, injections, specimen collection, and basic laboratory tests. Adhere to infection control protocols and maintain accurate documentation of procedures.
• Emergency Response: Respond promptly to medical emergencies and provide immediate assistance, including CPR and first aid, as required. Follow established protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including medical histories, treatments provided, and observations. Ensure confidentiality of patient information and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
• Medication Management: Assist in medication administration, ensuring compliance with prescribed dosages and schedules. Adhere to medication storage and security protocols and report any medication discrepancies or concerns promptly.
• Preventive and Chronic Care Support: Assist in monitoring and managing chronic health conditions common in the incarcerated population, promoting preventive health measures, and supporting disease prevention initiatives within the facility.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively with the healthcare team, including nurses, physicians, and other staff members, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care. Communicate any changes in patient condition or concerns to the appropriate healthcare professionals. Works as part of a health care team to assess patient needs, plans and modifies care, and implements interventions. Engages jointly with outside healthcare organizations to maintain continuum of care.
• Training and Health Education: Assist in training custody staff or other medical staff in CPR, first aid, and emergency recognition. Routine teaching incarcerated individuals about health management, hygiene, and medication adherence, as well as post-release care.
• Equipment and supply readiness: Ensuring emergency equipment is functional and supplies are stocked to ensure readiness for routine and emergency care situations.
• Quality Improvement Participation: Engage in quality assurance and performance improvement activities, including chart audits, peer reviews, and morbidity/mortality case discussions to improve patient outcomes and compliance.
• Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing professional development to maintain licensure, certifications, continuing education, and best practices in correctional healthcare.
• Respect and Professionalism: Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions, upholding the dignity and rights of co-workers, incarcerated individuals, and visitors. Practices cultural awareness and sensitivity, fostering an environment that values diversity and promotes equitable treatment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background.
• Safety and Security: Adhere to all security protocols and maintain a safe and secure environment within the correctional facility. Follow established guidelines for handling potentially dangerous or violent situations, ensuring personal and patient safety.
• Compliance and Regulations: Follow all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations related to correctional healthcare, including HIPAA guidelines, infection control protocols, and state/federal regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic medical principles, medical terminology, and patient care procedures.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills to evaluate, triage, and determine appropriate levels of care, including when to escalate to higher medical authority.
• Familiarity with infection prevention and control standards, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of biohazardous materials.
• Proficiency in accurate, timely medical documentation and use of electronic health records (EHR) in compliance with facility, state, and federal regulations.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure in a correctional environment.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging patient behaviors while ensuring safety and security.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity when working with diverse inmate populations and multidisciplinary staff teams.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required by the facility.
• Must be available to work various schedules as shifts rotate.
• Ability to pass post-job-offer medical exam, drug screen, and background checks.
• Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions may include computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, telephone, radio, firearms, handcuffs, waist and leg restraints, turn cranks on manual doors, tear gas canisters and weapons, VCR cameras, various locking systems, dolly, tractor, trailer, and automobiles.

Experience & Education

• Health related degree, preferred
• Current state licensure, required
• Previous corrections experience, preferred
• Continuing Education Credits may be required

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

Environment: Conditions include working inside and outside, working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, excessive heat, cold, humidity, dampness and chill, dry atmosphere, excessive or intermittent noise, constant noise, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, grease, oils, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working at heights, working on ladders or scaffolding, using chemical agents, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane.

Physical: Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs, steps, and ladders, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry 50 lbs. and over, perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, operate motor equipment, perform tactile discernment, and restrain assaultive persons.

Travel

• Travel requirements will vary with the assignment.

Job Application

• Complete Job Application

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays
• Receive 8 hours vacation and 4 hours personal time per month
• Potential for overtime or comp time
• CERF Retirement
• Paid health/dental/vision insurance for employees
• Option health/dental/vision insurance available for family/dependents at employee's expense
• Required uniforms and equipment provided.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• County provided Life and AD&D insurance
• Optional additional voluntary life insurance

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.