Correctional Sergeant

DelDOT; Georgetown (DE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

DelDOT seeks a Correctional Sergeant to lead and manage advanced security duties inside and outside secure facilities. Responsibilities include escorting inmates, maintaining counts, conducting searches, operating locks, enforcing rules, and preparing logs and reports with an automated system.

The role requires supervising staff, training as needed, and assisting in special operations such as riot control or transport custody. A valid driver’s license is essential.

Qualifications

• Two years as Correctional Corporal or equivalent in the CO series.
• Two years implementing and applying institutional rules, policies and procedures.
• One year preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records using an automated information system.
• Knowledge of staff supervision through training or leading a team of employees.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled).

Responsibilities

• Escort inmates and maintain control at security posts.
• Keep accurate head counts of inmates.
• Conduct shakedowns of inmates and searches for contraband.
• Operate manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforce rules, regulations and procedures for discipline, security and safety.
• Observe inmate activities for security threats and safety.
• Ensure inmate living areas meet care standards.
• Maintain custody during transport for court or appointments.
• Prepare daily logs and incident reports using automated systems.
• May train/care for K-9 and assist in riot control.
• May participate in pursuit of escapees.

Skills

Inmate supervision

Staff supervision

Security procedures

Driver's license

Tools

Automated information system

Job description

Summary Statement

This is the advanced and/or lead level responsible for performing advanced level duties and/or leading other Officers in the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments.
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.
• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities.
• May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Sergeant

• Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
• Applicants must have either two years of experience as a Correctional Corporal OR equivalent experience in the CO/series.
• Two years experience in implementing and applying institutional/departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• One year experience in preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system.
• Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

• Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Dept. of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.
• Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.
• Appointees other than in-line promotions must successfully complete a Department training course in security and related areas prior to assignment. This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employment Development Center. Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands‑on training. Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.
• Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty‑five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

Examination: An online test is required. Applicants will need to retest if the test was taken prior to 3/24/10, or if a failing score was received within the last 120 days.

Test study guides may be obtained by visiting the Department of Human Resources web‑site at State of Delaware - Delaware Employment Link. Applicants scheduled for examinations will be required to show photo identification to the exam proctor before taking the exam. All scheduling notices will be sent via email to the applicant. Please check your email for your scheduling testing notice.

Effective, November 21, 2024, the selection process for internal promotions or transfers is managed using Policy 9.27 of the State of Delaware Department of Correction. This policy is to ensure consistency in the selection process for all internal promotions or transfers for job classes up to and including pay grade 16.

More information can be found on the DOC extranet under Policies.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com.

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail].

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.