Job Summary
The Corrections Officer is responsible for maintaining security, safety, and order within an adult correctional facility while supporting a secure environment that promotes rehabilitation and access to appropriate services. The role involves supervising offenders, enforcing institutional rules and procedures, responding to emergencies, conducting searches and inspections, and maintaining accurate records and reports.
The position requires the ability to safely manage physically demanding situations, including responding to altercations, controlling resisting offenders, transporting and escorting offenders, and performing emergency response and evacuation functions. The Corrections Officer also supports rehabilitation through effective communication, mentoring, de-escalation, and appropriate referral of behavioral or adjustment concerns.
The role involves the use of security equipment, communication systems, computers, firearms, restraints, and other authorized tools. The position also requires maintaining required training and certifications and exercising applicable law enforcement and arrest authority within assigned correctional responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain security and order throughout correctional facilities and assigned posts.
- Supervise offenders in housing units and during work, recreational, religious, and other activities.
- Escort and transport offenders within and outside the facility as required.
- Conduct periodic offender counts and verify facility security.
- Search offenders, housing areas, buildings, personal property, and other areas for weapons, contraband, and prohibited items.
- Conduct health, safety, and security inspections.
- Respond to emergencies, altercations, security incidents, and other threats.
- Use approved procedures and techniques to safely control resisting offenders.
- Detain and restrain offenders when necessary and within applicable legal requirements.
- Conduct interviews and obtain statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and other involved individuals.
- Prepare reports, documentation, and records concerning incidents, violations, and corrective actions.
- Address minor behavioral and adjustment concerns and refer serious issues to appropriate personnel.
- Promote rehabilitation through effective communication, mentoring, de-escalation, and encouragement of positive behavior.
- Perform first-responder and emergency medical support functions when required.
- Assist with evacuations and emergency response activities.
- Communicate with emergency medical services and other responding agencies.
- Use radios, recording devices, computers, security systems, firearms, and other authorized equipment.
- Enter, access, and protect confidential criminal justice information.
- Complete required professional training and maintain applicable certifications.
- Exercise applicable law enforcement and arrest authority within assigned correctional duties.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or high school equivalency credential.
- Six months of experience as a Corrections Officer or equivalent experience in law enforcement, police work, or military service.
- Candidates without previous experience may be considered for trainee status when meeting applicable education requirements.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Ability to use firearms and successfully complete required weapons qualifications.
- Ability to successfully complete required corrections officer training and certification.
- Ability to successfully complete a physical agility assessment.
- Ability to meet required medical and physical standards.
- Ability to perform physically demanding duties, including controlling, restraining, escorting, and transporting offenders.
- Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and potentially hazardous situations.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, observation, and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling criminal justice information.
- Ability to complete required continuing training and certification requirements.