Correctional Officer - Lateral

Frederick County Government, Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for a full-time uniformed corrections position at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. This role involves maintaining security, discipline, and control over the inmate population, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and inmates. Successful candidates will undergo structured training and supervision, contributing to a vital community service. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this opportunity allows you to make a difference while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, paid leave, and a pension plan. Join a team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Wellness Program

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 and high school graduation required.
• Certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security and control over inmate population and enforce facility rules.
• Conduct security checks and process incarcerants into the facility.

Skills

Supervision Skills

Emergency Response

Communication Skills

Judgment and Decision Making

Training and Mentoring

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Radio Equipment

Monitoring Cameras

Job description

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Frederick County (MD) | Frederick, MD 21701

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; all shifts as scheduled (shift differential and premium pay eligible); full benefits.

This uniformed corrections position is responsible for maintaining security and discipline at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on any shift as assigned by the Assistant Bureau Chief or Bureau Chief. Duties are performed with close supervision from a Field Training Officer, Correctional Officer II or higher. Initial assignments are carried out in accordance with current policies and procedures with structured on-the-job training throughout a 12-month probationary period. The employee participates as a team member with other correctional personnel in maintaining a safe, secure, and controlled environment.

Frederick County Government recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants, and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee:

• 11 days of vacation leave with an increase after 2 years of employment.
• 15 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover.
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays.
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive medical insurance plan options to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including dental, vision, and flexible spending.
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary group term life insurance and AD&D benefit.
• Work/life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program.
• Generous tuition reimbursement program.
• County and employee funded defined benefit pension plan.
• Vesting after 5 years of service.

Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain direct supervision, security, and control over inmate population; enforce facility rules, regulations, and disciplinary standards.
• Submit written reports of violations or irregularities to supervisory staff as needed.
• Maintain a system of regular and ongoing counts of the inmate population; participate in routine searches and cell shakedowns to control contraband.
• Conduct frequent security checks to ensure the safety and security of the inmate population as well as the overall condition of the facility.
• Observe inmate activity and behavior patterns to detect and prevent disturbances, escape attempts, and security violations.
• Assist in physically controlling dangerous situations.
• Escort inmates to and from in-house activities and remain present to enforce safety and security.
• Transport inmates to other locations outside the facility as needed.
• Process incarcerants into the facility according to standard procedures; prepare records of personal items and maintain responsibility for inmate property control.
• Distribute sanitation supplies, deliver mail, and issue bedding and clothing to inmate population.
• Communicate with the public on matters of visiting hours, inmate phone call periods, authorized articles for inmates, and other inmate-related information.
• Communicate with attorneys, bondsmen, law enforcement agencies, and the courts as necessary.
• Operate radio equipment, electric security doors, monitor cameras, and life safety systems; control access to restricted areas by security keys.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum age of 18 years by completion of background process.
• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license with the ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit.
• Possession of current certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) as a Correctional Officer.
• NOTE: Current out-of-state Certified Correctional Officers may also be given consideration as lateral entry applicants.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Ability to learn and effectively apply appropriate skills and techniques to supervise inmates and enforce facility rules and regulations.
• Ability to respond quickly, calmly, and appropriately in standard duty and emergency situations, demonstrating good judgment in independent actions and referrals to higher authority.
• Ability to effectively train, direct, and mentor Officers of lesser rank.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the inmate population, co-workers, and the general public, while maintaining a professional attitude, appearance, and manner of performance.
• Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to write clear, complete, and concise reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sound physical condition to effectively respond to spontaneous physical demands of corrections duties (e.g., restraint and control of prisoners, searches, foot pursuit, etc.), with the ability to meet and maintain compliance with FCSO physical fitness standards.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly walk, reach and perform repetitive motions; frequently sit, climb, stoop, lift up to 20 pounds and drive; occasionally lift between 20-50 pounds and push up to 40 pounds; and rarely crawl, lift over 50 pounds, push over 40 pounds and pull over 40 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors in a noisy environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases; frequently work outdoors, walking on uneven ground and wearing protective equipment; and rarely work in a dirty and dusty environment.
• Satisfactory background investigation.
• Available for 24-hour call-in, shift work, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

May include (candidate must successfully complete each step to proceed to the next):

1. An evaluation of training and experience.
2. Physical agility testing.
3. An oral examination administered before a panel.
4. One or more personal interviews.
5. A pre-employment polygraph test (inquiries include criminal, credit, drug use, and personal history).
6. A pre-employment physical examination and drug test, to include testing for marijuana.
7. A pre-employment psychological examination (written and oral).

NOTES

• This position is subject to random drug testing, to include testing for marijuana.
• A Correctional Officer becomes eligible for upgrade to Correctional Officer First Class upon satisfactory completion of the 12-month probationary period.
• Secondary employment will not be approved for FCSO personnel who have not successfully completed their probationary period.
• Candidates who were previously rejected may reapply for consideration; however, those declined for reasons that assure another rejection will not be reconsidered.
• Completion of the examination/selection process can take 6-12 weeks. Candidates found eligible, but not immediately selected, may be contacted for subsequent placement within one year.

This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.