Adult Corrections Officer

Sarpy County, NE; Papillion (NE); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sarpy County Department of Corrections is seeking Correctional Officers who are dedicated to maintaining security and safety in the facility. Candidates will join a rewarding career that includes training and the opportunity for advancement. The position involves managing inmate behavior, keeping peace, and responding to incidents effectively. A supportive environment that prioritizes work-life balance contributes to the overall well-being of our staff.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement benefits

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certification as a Correctional Officer within one year from hire required.
• Must be at least 19 years old.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inmates and maintain a safe environment.
• Monitor and respond to inmate issues effectively.
• Conduct inspections and enforce regulations.

Skills

Effective supervisory skills

Ability to manage conflicts

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Crisis intervention

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary education in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Closing Date : 6 / 22 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

JOB OVERVIEW

PREFERENCE GIVEN TO FEMALE APPLICANTS

Sarpy County Department of Corrections is a place where you can pave your career. Correctional Officers are responsible for supervising inmates and maintaining the safety and security of the facility. The work of a Correctional Officer is engaging, challenging and personally rewarding. At Sarpy County, you will find opportunities for training, teamwork and professional growth.

The work schedule for our Correctional Officers promotes a work-life balance. Officers work 12 hour, rotating shifts which averages out to 14 working days a month and every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.

Sarpy County offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes affordable health, dental & vision care, paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, deferred comp match, retirement and much more!

At the Sarpy County Department of Corrections, the Strategic Inmate Management (SIM) model serves as the philosophical foundation for operation. The primary goal of every correctional facility is to ensure a safe and secure environment for staff, inmates, and visitors. Properly managing inmate behavior is key to achieving this. SIM focuses on maintaining safety and security by using the most effective practices for direct supervision and inmate behavior management.

A Corrections Officer's role in SIM involves a range of responsibilities, with a primary focus on establishing and maintaining positive supervisory relationships with inmates. This includes providing timely and courteous responses to inmate concerns and questions, as well as actively engaging with inmates throughout their housing unit during their shift. Officers must become familiar with all inmates under their supervision, identifying and addressing potential issues early on. Additionally, they are responsible for offering direction and coaching to inmates, encouraging participation in programming activities, and organizing events within the housing unit.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, reference checks, drug screen, physical, polygraph, psychological exam and background investigation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintain custody and control of assigned inmates in order to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, supervisors, County employees, attorneys, law enforcement, other agencies, and the general public.

Enforce standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing inmate conduct in a fair and consistent manner; apply disciplinary action per outlined procedures.

Monitor inmates to identify potential problems or conflicts and alert supervisors to impending problems.

Prevent and control volatile situations among inmates.

Conduct routine security and health inspections to detect contraband, hazards, damage, or potential breaches of security.

Review, search, and remove personal property from detainees; provide clothing and hygiene articles; and assign beds.

Respond immediately to emergencies; securing facilities and restraining or restricting the actions of combative or disruptive inmates following outlined procedures.

Identify serious or life threatening medical conditions and make the appropriate notifications; may administer basic first aid, perform CPR, or utilize an AED as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; Post-secondary education in Criminal Justice or related field preferred.

One (1) year of work experience in corrections, detention facility, criminal justice or security preferred.

Certification as a Correctional Officer or the ability to become certified within one (1) year from the date of hire required.

Special Requirements

Must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application.

Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Driver's License, as well as meet eligibility requirements of "acceptable driver standards" as defined by the County.

Must maintain required certifications (e.g. Defensive Tactics, CPR, Oleoresin capsicum- OC and Taser) throughout the course of employment. Exposure to OC and Taser are required as part of this qualification.

Must not have used illegal drugs (excluding marijuana) for the last two(2) years from date of application

Must not have marijuana for the last one(1) years from date of application

Incumbent will be required to submit to random drug testing.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Working knowledge of computers and associated software (e.g., Microsoft Office, etc.)

Effective supervisory skills

Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and regulations as well as jail standards governing correctional services and facilities

Ability to enforce rules, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures with firmness, tact, and impartiality and make appropriate use of disciplinary options

Ability and willingness to follow the chain of command, demonstrate commitment to the mission of the Department

Ability to deal effectively, professionally and tactfully with detainees and visitors from a wide range of social, economic and cultural backgrounds

Ability to demonstrate emotional maturity and stability

Ability to handle information of a confidential and sensitive nature and adhere to regulations restricting disclosure of confidential information

Ability to work under pressure and / or frequent interruptions

Ability to navigate stressful or emergency situations while maintaining composure

Ability to operate office equipment, including but not limited to computer, specialized software, multi-line phone, copier, scanner, fax, and calculator, along with law enforcement / detention equipment (e.g. radio, handcuffs, first aid), and any other items necessary to perform duties

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Corrections Officers are required to physically engage inmates in order to protect the inmate, themselves, other officers, and other inmates. This may involve subduing and restraining one or more inmates who may have weapons. While calling for backup is advised, there are instances where the Officer is required to take action before assistance arrives. Incidents requiring physical intervention may arise as frequently as several times a day. Incidents may not last long but require Officers to become and remain physically fit and not have medical conditions that pose a threat to themselves or others should the need for physical confrontation arise. An incumbent must also have the strength, endurance, agility and coordination to perform the essential functions of the job including self-defense and inmate restraint.

Link to Job Analysis :

Sarpy County offers competitive benefits to eligible

• employees including :

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

Pension Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

10 designated holidays and 2 floating holidays

Employee Assistance Program

• For eligiblity requirements, reference associated or the Sarpy County

Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without accommodation?

Are you able to meet the physical demands and work environment requirements of this job with or without accommodation?

According to Nebraska Jail Standards, U.S. Citizenship is required for Corrections Officers. Are you a U.S. Citizen?

Are you at least 19 years of age?

Do you have at a minimum a high school diploma or GED?

This position requires working 12 hour shifts. Shifts will include days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and call-ins. Are you able to meet this requirement?

This position requires that you work 12 hour shifts with rotating days off. Shifts are bid and awarded based upon seniority. Are you able to meet this requirement?

Are you currently a certified Correctional Officer in the state of Nebraska?

Are you currently a certified Correctional Officer in another state?

If you are currently certified as a Correctional Officer in another state, please indicate what state you are certified in.

Have you tried, used or ingested marijuana in the last 12 months?

Have you ever tried, used, or ingested any illegal drug(s) with the exception of marijuana?

If you answered yes to the previous question, please identify the illegal drug(s) used and when was the last time you used illegal drugs?

Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony?

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, please explain and include charge, date and location.

What special training or skills do you possess that qualify you for the correctional officer position?

To your knowledge, do you have any friends or relatives that are either a current inmate in our facility or have been an inmate within the last 12 months?

This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. Please read below for Sarpy County's Acceptable Driving Standards : If you have had one or more of the following, you do NOT meet Sarpy County's acceptable driving standards and would not be eligible for employment.a) Three or more 'at fault' accidents in the last 3 years; orb) Five or more moving violations in the last 3 years; orc) Any combination of 'at fault accidents or moving violations totaling five or more in the last 3 years.d) A DUI / DWI conviction within the last 5 years along with a history of at fault accidents and / or moving violationsDo you have a valid driver's license AND meet Sarpy County's acceptable driving standards?

VETERANS PREFERENCE : Are you requesting Veterans Preference as stipulated in Nebraska Statutes § 48-225 to 48-231? Such preference includes initial employment or a return to employment with the State of Nebraska or its governmental subdivisions if termination of previous employment was for other than disciplinary reasons.

VETERANS PREFERENCE : If you answer yes to claiming Veteran's Preference, you must attach to your application, before submission, a copy of your DD214 including page 4 identifying your character of service (and IF disabled, verification of disability from the VA), OR if you are a spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, you must attach a copy of your spouse's DD214, showing character of service, a copy of the veteran's disability verification from the Department of Veteran's Affairs demonstrating a 100% permanent disability rating, and proof of marriage to the veteran; OR if you are a spouse of an active service member, you must attach a copy of your spouse's active service orders and proof of marriage to the active service member. All documents must be attached prior to submission of application. Did you attach all required documentation?

• N / A - does not apply

As required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), all applicants who will have contact with inmates must answer the following questions. Are you willing to answer all PREA related questions truthfully.

PREA QUESTIONAIRRE. Have you ever engaged in or been found responsible for engaging in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution? (If yes, explain.)

PREA QUESTIONAIRRE. Have you ever been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity (in the community) facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or where the victim did not consent, was unable to consent or refused? (If yes, explain.)

PREA QUESTIONAIRRE : Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated for engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity (in the community) facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent, was unable to consent or refused? (If yes, explain.)

Required Question

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