Correctional Officer - Lateral

Frederick County Government, Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Job summary

Frederick County Government is seeking a corrections officer to maintain security and discipline at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. The role is full-time, non-exempt, 40 hours per week, with shift work and benefits.

The position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation and sick leave, holidays, health insurance, pension, and tuition reimbursement, with on-the-job training during a 12-month probationary period.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 years by completion of background process.
• U.S.A. citizenship.
• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver'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.

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.
• Maintain a system of regular counts of the inmate population; participate in routine searches and cell shakedowns to control contraband.
• Conduct frequent security checks to ensure safety and security of the inmate population and facility.
• Escort inmates to and from in-house activities and enforce safety and security.
• Process incarcerates into the facility according to standard procedures; maintain inmate property control.

Skills

Inmate supervision

Discipline enforcement

Emergency response

Written reports

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB INFORMATION

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 values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.

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 increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• 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.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities

• Maintain direct supervision, security and control over inmate population; enforce facility rules, regulations and disciplinary standards
• As needed, submit written reports of violations or irregularities to supervisory staff
• Maintain a system of regular and on-going 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
• As needed, transport inmates to other locations outside the facility
• Process incarcerates 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

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Minimum age 18 years by completion of background process
• U.S.A. citizenship
• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid driver'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 Officer's may also be given consideration as a lateral entry applicant

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• 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 inmate population, co-workers and the general public, while maintaining 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 in order to effectively respond to spontaneous physical demands of corrections duties (e.g. restraint and control of prisoners, searches, foot pursuit, etc.), with 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 wear protective equipment; and rarely work in a dirty and dusty environment

Additional Information / Examination Process

• Employees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hours
• Available for 24-hour call-in, shift work, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime
• 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 4-10 weeks. Candidates found eligible, but not immediately selected, may be contacted for subsequent placement within one year

EXAMINATION PROCESS

• An evaluation of training and experience
• An oral examination administered before a panel
• One or more personal interviews
• A pre-employment polygraph test (inquires include criminal, credit, drug use and personal history)
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test, to include testing for marijuana
• A pre-employment psychological examination (written and oral)
• A pre-employment background investigation conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to [e-mail]

Retirement Plan

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

• 0 – 2 years 11 days
• 2 – 10 years 17 days
• 10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.