Correctional Officer

Grand Traverse County; United States; On-site; USD 30,913 - 44,028; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical: High-deductible plan with HSA contribution

Dental: Delta Dental with no cost for cleaning

Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually

Generous vacation days

Retirement: Defined contribution plan with matching

Job summary

Grand Traverse County seeks a qualified individual for the role of Correctional Officer. The position involves processing and transporting inmates, administering housing procedures, and ensuring compliance with jail rules. Applicants should have an Associate’s Degree in law enforcement or a related field, a valid Michigan Driver’s License, and the ability to respond to emergencies.

The role requires physical strength and the ability to work various shifts. Benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, corrections, or related field preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License.
• Be certified as a Correctional Officer in Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Process inmates in and out of the facility.
• Administer housing procedures and monitor inmates.
• Perform court officer activities and transport inmates.
• Conduct thorough searches of inmates and cell areas.
• Respond to court and cell emergencies.

Skills

Proficiency in English grammar

Knowledge of applicable State laws

Knowledge of self-defense techniques

Interpersonal skills

Ability to operate equipment utilized in the work

Ability to comprehend policies

Education

Associate’s Degree in law enforcement or related field

Job description

About the Role

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate people committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to the north Michigan community.

Responsibilities

• Process inmates in and out of the facility, including obtaining fingerprints and mug shots, gathering medical information, placing inmates in cells, checking database for outstanding warrants, logging charges into the computer, pulling warrants, and/or performing other related activities.
• Administer housing procedures: performing head counts; compiling meal counts; performing inmate orientations; collecting and issuing clothing; administering testing; distributing medications; issuing food; passing out razors; distributing mail; disseminating commissary orders; and performing other related activities.
• Perform facility controls: logging activities into computer; monitoring high‑risk inmates; monitoring camera systems; logging individuals entering and leaving facility; reviewing reports; and performing other related activities.
• Patrol facilities and monitor inmates to ensure compliance with jail rules and maintain an orderly facility.
• Conduct thorough searches of inmates and cell areas.
• Perform court officer activities: ensuring correct forms are completed and signed; ensuring inmates are seen by the correct court officer; transporting inmates to court; entering court information from magistrate bond form or court dispositions; videotaping bond settings and arraignments; and providing courtroom security.
• Transport inmates to and from various locations throughout the state.
• Supervise inmates, ensuring compliance with jail rules and maintaining an orderly facility.
• Process inmate monies and bonds.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate levels of supplies and materials in support of jail operations and activities.
• Respond to court and cell emergencies.
• Maintain open communication with fellow officers and supervisors, and follow all policies and procedures of the Sheriff’s Office, including the general policing philosophy of the Sheriff.
• Maintain and submit all appropriate records.

Education & Experience

Associate’s Degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, corrections, social sciences, public management or related field preferred. Additional related experience may substitute for the college requirement if there is demonstrated knowledge, ability, and skills to perform the work.

Certifications & Licenses

• Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s Vehicle policy.
• Be certified as a Correctional Officer in the State of Michigan (certification can be attained after hire).
• Prior to hire, have a passing score on the EMPCO written test for local corrections officer candidates approved by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council.
• Prior to hire, have a passing score on the physical abilities test for local corrections officer candidates approved by the Michigan Sheriff’s Coordinating and Training Council.

Conditions of Employment

• Must not have been convicted of a felony or crime that might question the person’s credibility.
• Must successfully complete the employment screening process, which may include written and oral evaluations, psychological and physical screening, and a complete background investigation.
• Must be in good health and able to perform the necessary duties, including the ability to pursue, apprehend, restrain, and control inmates and to manage the prevention of inmate assaults.
• May be required to successfully complete a physical readiness test yearly, per contract requirements.
• Must meet minimum vision requirements and have normal hearing.
• Will be required to complete both the Basic Correctional Officer Training Program and the Michigan Breathalyzer Training Program after employment with the department.
• May be required to serve in an “on‑call” capacity in an emergency.
• May be required to undergo a background check initially and periodically. Appointment contingent on a satisfactory background check that confirms no relevant criminal history.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Work involves gathering and analyzing information to determine the best course of action, based on general guidelines or rules of operations requiring the use of judgment to choose alternatives, many of which may be correct, but one is better than another depending on the situation. Errors at this level could lead to the loss of life or major harm or life impairment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• May be required to climb or reach; reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; smell; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Position occasionally works in an outdoor environment with exposure to weather‑related heat and cold, rain, wind, and related elements.
• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, infectious diseases, criminal suspects or prison inmates.
• May occasionally be required to lift/move over 100 pounds.
• Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays for this 24‑hour operation and be able to work mandatory overtime.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Competencies

• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of applicable State laws and departmental orders, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of self‑defense techniques.
• Ability to operate equipment utilized in the work.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients, co‑workers, and representatives of other agencies.
• Ability to interpret and explain policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws in layman’s terms.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
• Ability to apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity.
• Ability to comprehend, process, and apply verbal and written skills appropriate to the job.
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently.

Compensation

Starting hourly rate: $27.20 USD.

Benefits

• Medical: High‑deductible plan through Priority Health with up to $2,000 HSA contribution.
• Vision: No‑cost plan and enhanced plan through EyeMed.
• Dental: Delta Dental with no costs for diagnostic and cleaning services.
• Wellness: Incentives and programs for healthy living.
• Employee Recognition: Awards and recognition throughout the year.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for accredited courses.
• Vacation: Generous vacation days for employees.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays plus floating holidays.
• Personal Leave: Up to 72 hours annually, with carry‑over up to 40 hours.
• Parental Leave: Up to 6 months leave for birth or adoption.
• Retirement: Defined contribution plan through MERS with generous matching after 6 years.
• 457(b) Retirement Plans: Optional deferred compensation and Roth plans with matching contributions.
• Life Insurance: Automatic life insurance for employees.
• Short‑Term Disability: Two‑thirds of salary for up to 182 days via Mutual of Omaha.
• Long‑Term Disability: 60% of salary for up to 24 months via Mutual of Omaha.