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.

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.

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

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be over the age of (19) on the day of employment.
• Ability to qualify in all phases of testing (written, medical, physical, and psychological).
• High School Degree
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or served a sentence in a Jail or House of Correction.
• Some knowledge of correctional procedures.
• Ability to instruct, counsel, and advise inmates having in mind their rehabilitation and return to society.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Regular and predictable work attendance.
• Ability to act calmly, make decisions and act quickly in emergency and dangerous situations. Ability to adapt to varying work situations.
• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds
• Ability to motivate others and to understand, explain and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow fairly complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to lift or carry inmate or fellow officer in time of need.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of times. Possess reasonable physical stamina and endurance.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, analyze and determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
• AAP/EEO Statement: The Essex County Sheriff's Department is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
• Must successfully pass an extensive personal interview and background check.

Below is a list of documents you are required to submit along with your employment application. Applications will not be processed unless all required documents are received by Human Resources. Copies are acceptable for all items except transcripts which will need to be original transcripts in a sealed envelope.

• Valid Driver's License
• Birth Certificate with Official Seal
• DD214 (If Military Service – Copy 2 or 4)
• License to Carry Firearms (if applicable)
• Social Security Card
• Naturalization Documents (if applicable)
• High School Diploma/GED
• Official College Transcript in sealed envelope (if applicable)
• Passport (if applicable)
• Resume