Correctional Officer - Department of Corrections

Howard County Government; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency is seeking a Correctional Officer responsible for maintaining security and order within the Howard County Detention Center. The role encompasses the care and custody of inmates, requiring a High School Diploma or GED and eligibility for certification. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Maryland Driver's License. This is a demanding role with physical and critical thinking requirements, designed for dedicated individuals capable of meeting the challenges of a correctional facility.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21 years; U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status required.
• Eligibility for certification by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.
• Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security and custody of inmates in the detention facility.
• Conduct security rounds and inspections; document inmate movement.
• Process intake and discharge of inmates under supervision.

Skills

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Performs correctional work at the full performance level under supervision from a technical superior and is responsible for maintaining security and the custody and care of incarcerated persons in the Howard County Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$27.59 Hourly or $57,387 Annually

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs full performance level technical corrections operations work under supervision from a technical superior. Work includes maintaining care and custody of inmates in a local, adult detention facility; and maintaining security and order on and off the property of the Howard County Detention Center. Employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of one year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Screen inmates for suicide risk and other vulnerabilities.

Maintains security over inmates; observes inmate behavior and refer for services as appropriate; supervises the work assignments, recreational activities and housing activities of inmates; search inmates for contraband; inspects and searches inmate living areas; work spaces, recreational areas, program areas for cleanliness and/or contraband.

Ensure inmates get to scheduled programs.

Conducts and records security rounds, formal and informal counts and inspections.

Writes incident reports for inmate misconduct, use of force, etc.

May process the intake and discharge of inmates; receives and reviews legal; court, and all official documents pertaining to an inmate; receive and issue clothing, property and funds under the supervision of a superior.

Operate security detection equipment to include body scanner, metal detector and x-ray machines.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff and inmates.

May contact other departments to address inmate concerns; this includes, but is not limited to medical, mental health and classification.

May transport inmates; provide security of inmate while outside the confines of the detention center.

Document inmate movement and activities.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum age of 21 years
U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Computer and word processing skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to navigate stairs frequently throughout the work day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. May have contact with approved departmental chemical agents. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. There is a risk of physical injury or possible exposure to communicable diseases, use of physical force required upon occasion.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:

Eligibility for certification by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and possession of such certificate within 1 year of appointment.

Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.

An applicant would need to be eligible to carry a firearm under Federal and Maryland law.