Corrections Officer

COUNTY OF LEHIGH; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

COUNTY OF LEHIGH is seeking a Corrections Officer in Allentown, PA to ensure care, custody and control of inmates within a county correctional facility. You will enforce rules, maintain order, escort inmates, and prevent escapes while operating electronic control panels and other security equipment.

The position reports to supervisory corrections personnel and requires the ability to respond to emergencies, write clear reports, and collaborate with staff, volunteers and visitors.

Qualifications

• Must understand the rules and regulations of operating a correctional facility.
• Able to learn control and custody methods for inmates, including use of force and defensive tactics.
• Supervise inmate activities and maintain order in custody.
• Follow verbal and written instructions; stay alert at all times.
• Respond quickly and calmly in emergencies; write clear reports.

Responsibilities

• Enforce rules and regulations to maintain order and discipline among inmates.
• Escort inmates and monitor movement within the facility.
• Operate electronic control panels and security equipment; perform routine security procedures.
• Supervise housing unit operations including meal distribution, rounds, and counts.
• Document activities, incidents, misconduct reports; communicate through the chain of command.
• Respond to security and medical emergencies; administer first aid/CPR as needed.

Skills

Rules & Regulations Understanding

Inmate supervision

Use of force & defensive tactics

Emergency response

Record keeping & reporting

Observation and alertness

Tools

Electronic control panels

Computers

Job description

This is corrections security and custody work, at the full performance level, ensuring the care, custody and control of inmates in a County correctional facility. Work includes immediate responsibility for enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining order and discipline among inmates, escorting inmates, and preventing escapes; work also involves operation of electronic control panels and other security equipment, as well as, computers. A position in this class reports to supervisory-level corrections personnel.

Summary

This is corrections security and custody work, at the full performance level, ensuring the care, custody and control of inmates in a County correctional facility. Work includes immediate responsibility for enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining order and discipline among inmates, escorting inmates, and preventing escapes; work also involves operation of electronic control panels and other security equipment, as well as, computers. A position in this class reports to supervisory-level corrections personnel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to learn and understand the rules and regulations relating to the operation of a correctional facility.
• Ability to quickly learn the methods and techniques used in the control and custody of inmates, including appropriate use of force and defensive tactics.
• Ability to supervise the activities of inmates in custody.
• Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions. Ability to remain alert at all times.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to keep records and to write clear and concise reports.
• Directly supervises the inmate population by enforcing rules and regulations of the institution.
• Maintains security of the facility by performing security procedures which include, conducting and documenting routine tours and rounds; performing cell searches; performing clothed and unclothed inmate searches; monitoring the movement of inmates, staff, volunteers, and visitors; collecting urine samples.
• Manages housing unit operations which includes monitoring inmate activities in the dayroom and outdoor exercise yard; supervising the distribution of meals, medication, commissary, and laundry; conducting a physical count of all inmates; issuing movement passes; confiscating and accounting for inmate property and conducting rounds, medical checks and psychiatric checks.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of all areas of the institution and conducts daily inspections of dayrooms, cells, and all other working areas. Assures all inmates maintain an acceptable level of hygiene.
• Monitors and controls all movement in the facility through the proper operation of electronic door control panels.
• Maintains an accurate log of all activities, writes incident reports, inmate misconducts reports, and reports all information through the chain of command.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with inmates, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Calls and responds to security and medical emergencies. Administers first aid/CPR and follows the Use of Force policy when handling situations.

Comments

• Applicants must be over age 21.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license is also required.

A criminal background check is required.

Salary: $25.74 - $25.74 per hour