Correctional Officer

State of South Dakota; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Correctional Officers to join their team in ensuring safety and security within the correctional facility. This role offers a unique opportunity to embark on a law enforcement career, providing essential training and skills needed for professional growth. As a Correctional Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining order, monitoring inmate activities, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. With rotating 12-hour shifts and comprehensive benefits, this position is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact while developing their career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance Options

Paid Holidays

Vacation and Sick Leave

Dental and Vision Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Successfully pass all modules of the Basic Training.
• Possess physical ability for Defensive Tactics.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security by enforcing DOC policies and institutional orders.
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas.
• Conduct searches and inspections to maintain safety standards.

Skills

Effective Communication

Observation Skills

Physical Control Techniques

Emergency Response

Knowledge of Correctional Policies

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join to apply for the Correctional Officer role at State of South Dakota

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Job ID: 31337
Agency: Department of Corrections, Yankton Minimum Center
Location: Yankton
Salary: $25.50 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GH-G
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3Hwg99jTg&t=9s

Maintains security by enforcing DOC policies and institutional post orders to ensure the safety and security of the offenders and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.

Service as a correctional officer is an excellent way to begin a law enforcement career and to gain supervisory experience. New officers are trained in all aspects required of the job; no prior education or experience is necessary. Officers are eligible for Class B retirement with 8% matching contributions. Uniforms are provided.

Correctional Officers must be able to work all shifts. Weekday and weekend shifts are twelve (12) hours. Correctional officers are required to work every other weekend along with some holidays.

As part of the application process, applicants will take a Correctional Officer suitability assessment. The assessment is web-based (can be taken on any device with web access) and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Knowledge Of

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;

Ability To

• effectively communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing;
• apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry;
• participate in the criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines;
• visually observe and audibly hear in order to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information;
• visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas;
• verbally communicate clearly and respectfully;
• perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer-based email;
• study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method;
• incorporate the South Dakota DOC Mission statement while completing daily job duties;
• willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with offender families and the public;
• effectively communicate and work with offenders through daily monitoring in a variety of situations;
• control, direct and instruct offenders individually and in groups;
• willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population;
• remain alert and observant throughout shift;
• conduct searches (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle);
• use fingers to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment;
• safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors;
• learn about and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers in a safe and professional manner, as outlined in policy;
• learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone, public address equipment);
• willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols;
• quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes);
• use physical force to control a situation;
• climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift;
• interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures.

Functions

• monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;
• man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification);
• monitor facility perimeter;
• maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders;
• escort and transport offenders in authorized state vehicles, while armed;
• monitor visiting areas;
• conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts;
• conduct searches per policy;
• inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards;
• inspect inmate mail;
• utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations;
• follow established tool and key control, ensuring proper storage and documentation;
• attend shift briefings;
• document incidents utilizing established reporting practices;
• communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Applicants will be required to take an employment test in order to pass onto the next round of the hiring process. Successful applicant(s) may have to undergo an abuse and neglect screening.
• High School diploma or GED.

Conditions Of Employment

• Successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum (with or without reasonable accommodations).
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics, including lifting arms above head, stabilizing persons, using strikes, impact impact, and body agility.
• Exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during training and assignments.
• Must be able to see and hear to respond to breaches in safety and security.
• Capable of seizing, controlling, and defending against violent individuals.
• Work 12-hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Work in environments involving assaultive behavior, physical control, and restraints.
• Deal tactfully with individuals of diverse backgrounds and moods.
• Communicate effectively using talking, listening, and signaling.
• Work in fluctuating noise and temperature environments, outdoors in inclement weather, and on concrete floors.
• Willing and able to travel and work various shifts, including nights.
• TB screening required upon hire.

Applicants will answer a series of job-related questions during application submission. For more information, visit https://doc.sd.gov/.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful candidates will undergo a background investigation; an arrest/conviction record may not bar employment. Offers are conditional on a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and complete Form I-9. E-Verify will be used for employment verification.

The state offers health insurance options, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, dental, vision, and retirement benefits. More info at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1KZ

Emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"