Correctional Officer

Indiana; Delaware; On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Delaware County Jail is seeking a dedicated Correctional Officer to provide security for staff and inmates and to perform jail processing and supervision of inmates. You will handle booking procedures, cell checks, visits, meals, transports, and incident reporting with a focus on safety and compliance.

The role requires a high school diploma, ability to obtain required certifications, and willingness to work extended hours and respond to emergencies 24/7.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications (IDAC/NCIC, Indiana Law Enforcement training, First Responder/CPR, etc.).
• Ability to meet hiring requirements including medical, written, psychological exams, and drug testing.
• Knowledge of departmental procedures, SOPs, and ability to take authoritative action.
• Ability to properly use assigned equipment (computer, phone, cameras, calculator, breathalyzer, handcuffs, taser, fingerprinting equipment, radios, etc.).
• Knowledge of English grammar and ability to complete documents within deadlines.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and bloodborne pathogen control.
• Knowledge of radio frequencies, codes, and communication procedures.
• Ability to apply knowledge of laws, codes, ordinances, and jail procedures.
• Ability to respond decisively to violent individuals and precarious situations.
• Ability to work extended, irregular hours, holidays, weekends, and respond to emergencies 24/7.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Enforces local, state, and federal standards by implementing effective policies for secure and safe operations.
• Ensures compliance with facility rules and regulations, recording and reporting inappropriate behavior and taking corrective action.
• Secures and/or physically restrains violent or uncontrollable detainees as needed.
• Maintains interior jail security, monitors door controls, staff locations, detainee activities, conducts patrols, and manages cell access.
• Conducts periodic cell checks, roll calls, and head counts.
• Reviews arrest sheets, determines authority to confine, and completes booking procedures including interviews, photographs, fingerprinting, warrant checks, searches, and property intake.
• Processes inmate releases and returns personal property.
• Supervises inmate activities including visitation, library use, commissary, and phone calls.
• Assigns duties to inmate workers.
• Distributes meals and ensures removal of trays and utensils.
• Transports or escorts inmates to court, medical appointments, releases, and other required locations.
• Responds to inquiries from families, attorneys, and the public regarding visitation and detainee status.
• Assists with medication distribution, verifies prescriptions, maintains records, and schedules medical and mental health appointments.
• Uses de-escalation and problem‑solving techniques to manage hostile situations.
• Answers telephones, greets visitors, logs calls/visitors, and provides information or referrals.
• Monitors communication equipment, CCTV, and alarm systems; activates alarms and fire protection systems when needed.
• Ensures detainee hygiene and cell cleanliness; accounts for cleaning supplies.
• Conducts routine shakedowns of cells and dormitories.
• Records daily inmate money received and disbursed.
• Completes incident reports, grievances, daily activity logs, out‑of‑county logs, and intake logs.
• Attends required in‑service meetings and training.
• Testifies in legal proceedings.
• Maintains a neat and professional uniform.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Decision making

De-escalation

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Courteous public interaction

Education

High school diploma or HSE

Job description

Delaware County – Correctional Officer

Position Overview

Job Title: Correctional Officer
Department: Jail
Work Schedule: As assigned
Reports To: Corporal
Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt (OT eligible)
Effective Date: June 2007

Incumbent serves as Correctional Officer for the Delaware County Jail, responsible for providing security and safety of staff and inmates and performing jail processing and supervising inmates.

Duties

• Enforces local, state, and federal standards by implementing effective policies for secure and safe operations.
• Ensures compliance with facility rules and regulations, recording and reporting inappropriate behavior and taking corrective action.
• Secures and/or physically restrains violent or uncontrollable detainees as needed.
• Maintains interior jail security, monitors door controls, staff locations, detainee activities, conducts patrols, and manages cell access.
• Conducts periodic cell checks, roll calls, and head counts.
• Reviews arrest sheets, determines authority to confine, and completes booking procedures including interviews, photographs, fingerprinting, warrant checks, searches, and property intake.
• Processes inmate releases and returns personal property.
• Supervises inmate activities including visitation, library use, commissary, and phone calls.
• Assigns duties to inmate workers.
• Distributes meals and ensures removal of trays and utensils.
• Transports or escorts inmates to court, medical appointments, releases, and other required locations.
• Responds to inquiries from families, attorneys, and the public regarding visitation and detainee status.
• Assists with medication distribution, verifies prescriptions, maintains records, and schedules medical and mental health appointments.
• Uses de-escalation and problem‑solving techniques to manage hostile situations.
• Answers telephones, greets visitors, logs calls/visitors, and provides information or referrals.
• Monitors communication equipment, CCTV, and alarm systems; activates alarms and fire protection systems when needed.
• Ensures detainee hygiene and cell cleanliness; accounts for cleaning supplies.
• Conducts routine shakedowns of cells and dormitories.
• Records daily inmate money received and disbursed.
• Completes incident reports, grievances, daily activity logs, out‑of‑county logs, and intake logs.
• Attends required in‑service meetings and training.
• Testifies in legal proceedings.
• Maintains a neat and professional uniform.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

I. Job Requirements & Difficulty of Work

• High school diploma or HSE.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications (IDAC/NCIC, Indiana Law Enforcement training, First Responder/CPR, etc.).
• Ability to meet hiring requirements including medical, written, psychological exams, and drug testing.
• Knowledge of departmental procedures, SOPs, and ability to take authoritative action.
• Ability to properly use assigned equipment (computer, phone, cameras, calculator, breathalyzer, handcuffs, taser, fingerprinting equipment, radios, etc.).
• Knowledge of English grammar and ability to complete documents within deadlines.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and bloodborne pathogen control.
• Knowledge of radio frequencies, codes, and communication procedures.
• Ability to apply knowledge of laws, codes, ordinances, and jail procedures.
• Ability to respond decisively to violent individuals and precarious situations.
• Ability to perform essential functions without posing a direct threat to self or others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, departments, police, courts, inmates, and the public.
• Ability to serve the public with diplomacy, including encounters with hostile individuals.
• Ability to implement policies, directives, and general orders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality or provide public access as required by state law.
• Ability to follow employer policies including attendance, safety, drug‑free workplace, and conduct.
• Ability to understand, retain, and carry out instructions.
• Ability to work independently or in teams, under time pressure, and on multiple tasks.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations and apply knowledge of people and locations.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, investigate, and act based on data.
• Ability to testify in court.
• Ability to work extended, irregular hours, holidays, weekends, and respond to emergencies 24/7.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and safe driving record.

II. Responsibility

Assignments and objectives are set jointly with the supervisor. Incumbent follows standard operating procedures and policy manuals and must obtain permission to deviate from them. Errors are prevented through bookkeeping checks, supervisory review, and legally defined safeguards. Errors may result in time loss, financial loss, endangerment, equipment damage, delays, or inconvenience.

III. Personal Work Relationships

Frequent contact with coworkers, county departments, police departments, courts, inmates, and the public to exchange information and interpret policies. Reports directly to the Corporal.

IV. Physical Effort & Work Environment

Work occurs in a jail environment and may include:

• Sitting, walking, or standing for long periods.
• Running, climbing stairs, crouching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Keyboarding, driving, clear speaking, and full‑range hearing and vision.
• Exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, dirt, blood, and body fluids.
• Working in noisy or confined areas.
• Wearing protective clothing.
• Exposure to hostile individuals and situations requiring restraint or subduing.
• Extended, irregular hours, holidays, weekends, and emergency response.

Applicant / Employee Acknowledgment

The job description for the position of Correctional Officer for the Delaware County Jail describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. The employee acknowledges receipt and understands that it is not a contract of employment and is responsible for complying with all duties, requirements, and responsibilities, including future revisions.