Correctional Staff Sergeant

DelDOT; Wilmington, Northern (DE, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Delaware Department of Correction seeks a first line supervisor responsible for supervising the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. This on-site leadership position ensures compliance with all rules and safe operations.

Responsibilities include maintaining control of inmates, conducting searches, operating locking systems, observing for security threats, logging activities, and training or caring for K-9 units as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years experience as Correctional Sergeant or four years combined as Correctional Corporal, Correctional Sergeant, OR equivalent experience in the CO/series.
• Three years experience in implementing and applying institutional/departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Two years experience in preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system.
• One year experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
• Knowledge of making recommendations on changes to policies, procedures and techniques that improve security.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Responsibilities

• 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 description

Summary Statement

This is the first line supervisor responsible for supervising and participating in the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.

Essential Functions

• 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

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 Sergeant OR four years of combined experience as a Correctional Corporal, Correctional Sergeant, OR equivalent experience in the CO/series.
• Three years experience in implementing and applying institutional/departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Two years experience in preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system.
• One year experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
• Knowledge of making recommendations on changes to policies, procedures and techniques that improve security.
• 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

Once you have submitted your application on‑line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

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 (800) 232‑5470 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 (302) 739‑5458 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.