Correctional Officer

Dubuque County; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Dubuque County is seeking a Correctional Officer to support jail operations and inmate supervision. Responsibilities include processing inmates, maintaining security, supervising meals and recreation, and managing records with attention to policy and safety.

| Requires either a high school diploma with CPR/first aid training or equivalents and successful completion of jail training programs per Iowa and Dubuque County requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; CPR and first aid training preferred.
• Possession of qualifications required by Dubuque County and Iowa law.
• Must be able to obtain jail training certifications within stated timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Process inmates into custody and manage personal property; communicate rights and rules.
• Patrol jail area to maintain security and order.
• Supervise inmates during meals, recreation, and activities; escort inmates as needed.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records on inmates; operate control room equipment.

Skills

Security procedures

Observation skills

Interpersonal communication

Record keeping

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma

CPR and first aid training

Tools

Telephones

Computers

Radios

Job description

Performs intermediate protective and human support service work ensuring the care and security of inmates at the county jail; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Jail Administrator, Assistant Jail Administrator, and jail sergeants or acting sergeants. The duties of Correctional Officers will consist of, but not be limited to:

• Processing inmates into custody of institution, searching prisoners, taking charge of personal property; providing opportunity to call attorney or relative, advising on institutional rules and regulations;
• Operating specialized equipment;
• Patrolling jail area periodically to ensure security and maintain order;
• Supervising inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures;
• Serving as turnkey in admitting visitors, attorneys, police officers, and bondsmen;
• Supervising the work of inmate workers;
• Attending to special needs of prisoners and attempting to resolve individual problems, if possible;
• Escorting inmates within the confines of the jail as required;
• Preparing and maintaining detailed manual and computerized records on inmates;
• Ensuring the care and maintenance of living quarters and recreational facilities used by inmates;
• Performing laundry duty as assigned;
• Arranging visits, inspecting items brought into the jail, checking incoming and outgoing mail;
• Overseeing the serving of meals to inmates;
• Distributing and administering medications as prescribed;
• Maintain a clean workspace
• Staffing the control room of the jail when needed;
• Performing related tasks as required or directed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by courses in CPR and first aid.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of all qualifications for this position as required by Dubuque County and the State of Iowa. Must satisfactorily complete an initial several week jail training program, an initial 40‑hour jail training program within 1 year of hire at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and 20 hour annual continuing jail education and other department training as required. Satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid Driver's License. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Dubuque County does not sponsor work visas or provide immigration sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General knowledge of the security, rules, regulations, and procedures of the institution; some knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; some knowledge of basic principles of human psychology; ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly; ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately; ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; ability to prepare records and reports.

Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements:

• Drive a motor vehicle;
• Assist with the control of jail inmates;
• Physically restrain/control an inmate physically resisting a lawful order.
• Use departmental equipment, including telephones, computers, and radios
• Be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Be able to smell potentially dangerous odors.