Corrections Officer

Nisqually Indian Tribe; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Nisqually Indian Tribe is seeking a Corrections Officer to supervise inmates and maintain order in a 24/7 jail facility. Responsibilities include booking, transport to court, and monitoring security systems. The role requires strong communication, de-escalation skills, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Applicants must be 18+, possess a valid driver's license, and complete required training such as BIA Corrections Officer Training. A thorough background check and medical exam are required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of appointment.
• Valid driver's license and insurability under tribal policy.
• Pass a background, psychological, and medical evaluation.
• Completion of required corrections training (BIA or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Supervise inmates and monitor activities within jail facilities 24/7.
• Perform booking procedures: fingerprinting and photographing inmates.
• Assist with court transport, appointments, and security monitoring.
• Maintain logs, incident reports and complete data entry as required.
• Respond to emergencies and enforce safety procedures.

Skills

Observational skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Written communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

18+ years of age

Valid driver’s license

BIA Corrections Officer Training or equivalent

Job description

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is a sovereign nation with a rich history and deep connection to the lands and waters of the South Puget Sound region. We encourage applicants to take time before applying to learn about the Tribe's history, culture, and contemporary government and be prepared to share what you've learned and how it informs your interest in serving our community.

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with any other jurisdiction.

ICW/Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal Law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

*This position requires a fingerprint check, which is a standard procedure for many jobs, especially those involving children or vulnerable populations

GENERAL SUMMARY

Corrections Officers provide supervision and care of inmates in the corrections facility. This position is responsible for maintaining order in the day-to-day operation of the jail facilities on a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week basis and performing all functions and duties of all shifts in all areas of the facility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Search, fingerprint, and photograph incoming inmates during booking procedures.
• Supervise inmates for recreation periods, court and medical appointments, and work detail.
• Monitor food service and medication administration.
• Prepare and transport inmates to court and other appointments.
• Release inmates by established procedures for bail, court order or other authority.
• Monitor security systems within the jail to maintain internal jail security.
• Monitor inmate mental and physical health and notify appropriate personnel when needed.
• Observe and direct inmate movement and activity through visual and electronic means.
• Respond to emergencies including fire, riot, or hostage situations within the jail as set forth by policy and procedure.
• Answer and direct telephone calls.
• Monitor all jail access.
• Maintain logs, complete data entry, reports, and related correspondence.
• Successfully complete all assigned training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of appointment.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.
• Must have an acceptable ranking on an examination based on knowledge, skills, and abilities to include an oral, written, and physical agility exam.
• Must have no felony convictions or series of offenses of a minor nature which would lend them to establish a pattern of criminal behavior, or any criminal instances concerning moral turpitude.
• Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical exam.
• Acceptance to and successful completion of the BIA Corrections Officer Training Program or equivalent academy is a condition of continuing employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

N/A

SUPERVISION

N/A

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Rules and regulations of the Nisqually Public Safety Department.
• Policies, procedures, laws, and codes governing corrections procedures, security, custody, and control of offenders and correctional facility operations.
• English language as needed to perform the work.
• Methods of physical control, self-defense, and standard safety procedures.

Skill in:

• Effective communication verbally, in writing and interpersonally.
• Conflict resolution, defense tactics, and de-escalation techniques.

Ability to:

• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, recognizing actual and potential dangers and determining a proper course of action.
• Compose and type incident reports, organizing details logically.
• Read, understand, and interpret laws, ordinances, rules and regulations with appropriate application.
• Cope with situations firmly, tactfully, and with respect to individual rights.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diversity of people including those with social and behavioral problems, as well as disabled and disadvantaged individuals.
• Respond with proper de-escalation and defensive tactics to maintain the physical safety of inmates and other facility personnel.
• Manage face-to-face interactions and confrontations with angry, hostile, depressed and/or otherwise emotionally distraught suspects/inmates.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of this job. This position has physical requirements of varying degrees based on numerous differing work circumstances. In addition to sitting, walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, an incumbent must be able to run, subdue, and restrain individuals within and out of the jail facility. The majority of the time is spent in the jail facility, where incumbents must respond to emergencies presenting physical risks from various sources including violent suspects/inmates, weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, and other potential situations/dangers typical to jail settings. Incumbents must be able to wear protective equipment as required by the department and must be able to use equipment associated with a jail environment in addition to operation of a personal computer and related office equipment necessary to perform the primary responsibilities of the job

• Background Check: I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening: I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.