Corrections Officer

Allegan County; Allegan Township (MI); On-site; USD 30,015 - 42,749; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Health Savings Account

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Retirement plan

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO

Holidays

Fitness centers

Job summary

Allegan County is seeking a dedicated Correctional Officer to maintain custody and ensure safety for inmates, staff and the public. You will supervise inmate movement, conduct safety checks, and assist with housing and meal operations in a secure facility.

Starting wage is $26.41 per hour for full-time employees, with an 84-hour biweekly schedule and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, HSA, life insurance, short-term disability, retirement, tuition reimbursement,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• Valid MI driver's license with clean record.
• Completion of Corrections Academy within 1 year of hire; LEIN and EMPCO exams.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification within 1 year; LCOPAT.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security of the facility by observing inmate behavior and enforcing discipline.
• Oversee inmate movement, escort routes, and visitation supervision.
• Identify signs of substance abuse or mental health issues and address threats.
• Conduct housing checks and searches for census, compliance, and contraband.
• Operate life safety, electronic surveillance, and door control systems.
• Handle booking, fingerprinting, identification, and records maintenance.
• Escort and transport inmates to holding areas and during activities.
• Screen and distribute inmate meals, mail, and medications.
• Participate in evacuation procedures and emergency security.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information encountered.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team coordination

Observation skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree preferred (Corrections/Criminal Justice)

Job description

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan. Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the “Impact Award” from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary

Performs a variety of routine and specialized duties to maintain custody and control and ensure the health and safety of inmates, staff, volunteers and the public. Major duties include supervising inmates, conducting safety and security inspections, providing access to health care and assisting with medication passes, conducting housing inspections, passing meal trays, assisting with coordinating well‑being activities and completing head counts.

Starting Wage

• $26.41 per hour to start, full-time
• This position works an 84-hour two-week pay period.

Excellent Benefits Plan: Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date

• Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 biweekly premium)
• County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
• County-paid employee life insurance coverage
• County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
• Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 10% of your annual earnings
• Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
• Generous PTO plan, including front‑loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
• 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
• FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Maintains security of the correctional facility by observing and controlling inmate behavior, enforcing discipline, and reporting observations.
2. Guide and oversee all inmate movement throughout the facility including determining best routes for escort, who can and cannot visit with inmates, and supervision during meal times.
3. Observes, recognizes, and is aware of inmates with symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse and withdrawal, mental or emotional disorders, and issues and stressors that arise with inmates themselves and inmates around them. Be able to recognize and address violent offenders and potential threats, de‑escalate situations between inmates, and notify supervisors of any potential problem or incident.
4. Conducts checks of inmate housing and cell searches for inmate census, compliance, and detection of contraband.
5. Controls and operates life safety equipment, electronic safety and surveillance equipment, and door control systems.
6. Performs booking, fingerprinting, identification, and records maintenance procedures that may include pat‑downs, entering charges into the system, preliminary medical screening, notifying supervisors of any possible intake problems, clearing inmates for release, and assisting in the transportation to and from other facilities.
7. Maintains the security of inmates transported to the holding area in the Courts building and provides escort, transport services, and security of inmates to various locations including during recreation, religious services and programs.
8. Assists with screening and distributing and retrieving inmate meal trays, mail and medication.
9. Participates in evacuation procedures and maintains security in emergency situations of the facility.
10. Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of all information and materials encountered in performance of the officer’s duties.

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.). Prefer an Associate’s Degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.
2. Valid Michigan Driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any State.
3. Completion of Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council Corrections Academy within one year of hire.
4. LEIN Certification within 6 months of hire.
5. CPR/First Aid/AED Certification within 1 year of hire.
6. Local Corrections Officer’s Physical Ability Test (LCOPAT).
7. Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council Written Examination (EMPCO) & Mental Health (Psychological) Examination & Medical Screening.

Candidates must pass a drug screen (which includes testing for THC) in order to be hired for this position.