Corrections Officer

Yakima County, Washington; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental,

Retirement Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Job summary

Yakima County Department of Corrections is seeking Corrections Officers to ensure safety and security of inmates. Responsibilities include processing incoming prisoners, document verification, inmate property control, and conducting searches for contraband and weapons.

Officers may perform duties up to 12 hours in lockdown environments, handle meals, and maintain logs. A high school diploma or GED is required along with background checks, academy completion, and weapons qualification within

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen and provide proof of citizenship.
• Background check, polygraph, drug screen, and medicals required.
• Complete Corrections Officer academy within six months.
• Weapons qualification within one year of employment.
• Valid WA driver's license and 21+ years of age.
• Rotating shift work including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security of inmates in the Yakima County DOC.
• Receive and book prisoners; verify documents; safeguard inmate property.
• Search for weapons/contraband; perform fingerprints and photos.
• Monitor inmates, conduct cell checks, and escort for visits and court.
• Administer meals, logs, and inmate release; respond to emergencies.

Skills

Pat-down searches

Inmate safety

Verbal communication

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Range: $32.97 - $41.90 per hour (DOC Officer Pay Plan, Step 1-7)

Hiring Range: $32.97 - $37.97 (DOC Officer Pay Plan, Step 1-2 DOQ)

Position Closes: This position is open until filled and will be reviewed at the end of each month. Please apply immediately!

There are several openings with Yakima County Department of Corrections to form a hiring list of eligible candidates for positions as Corrections Officers. This position is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of inmates at the Yakima County Department of Corrections. Gender-specific (female) hiring preference may apply to fill the Corrections Officer positions in order to create a safer booking process of same gender pat-downs, for minimum staffing levels and to comply with conventional standards of sexual privacy.

Selection Procedure:

Applications and required documentation will be accepted and reviewed at the end of each month. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of past experience and training. Applicants claiming veteran’s preference eligibility will be required to complete the Application for Veterans’ Preference Form.

*Applicants must complete and submit below paperwork PRIOR to be considered.*

Please submit:

1. #1 Yakima County Application
2. #2 Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Copy of Birth Certificate / Naturalization Paperwork/ Passport)
3. #3 Proof of High School Education or GED (copy of HS diploma orGED or transcripts or copy of college transcript or college diploma)

Benefits included in position:

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave

Note: This is a Teamsters Local #760 Contract Bargaining Union Position.

Job Description

Essential Job Duties:

General Function

Maintains the safety and security of inmates at the Yakima County Department of Corrections.

Essential Job Functions

Receives and books incoming prisoners;

Verifies that proper documents are submitted;

Receives and safeguards inmate personal property and valuables;

Searches prisoners for weapons and contraband using pat down, metal detector and/or strip procedures; Inspects for injuries;

Fingerprints, photographs;

Insures the location and wellness of inmates;

Conducts periodic checks of floor and cells to verify the proper conduct of inmates;

Searches cells for contraband materials;

Moves inmates within the facility for visitation, exercise/recreation, court appearances, church services and school;

Controls inmates through verbal communication and; in some situations, physical restraint; Responds to emergencies within the facility and may be called upon to administer first aid and evacuate inmates;

Dispenses meals and retrieves meal trays accounting for all utensils; and,

Prepares written, typed and/or computerized logs and reports; Administers the release of inmates.

Other Job Functions

Transports and guards inmates in non-secure areas for appointments, medical treatment, court appearances or assignment to other facilities;

Oversees clean up of cell area by inmates;

Oversees the work of inmate workers;

Operates control room equipment;

Orders and dispenses commissary items for inmates;

Answers and forwards incoming calls;

Distributes inmate mail, checking for contraband;

Collects urine samples for drug testing; and,

Other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or GED certificate AND any combination of experience and training which demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Required:

• must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship (e.g. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Papers);
• successfully pass a background investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment drug screen, psychological test and physical agility test prior to being hired and post-employment baseline physical exam;
• within six months of employment must successfully complete the Correction Officer’s academy;
• within one year of employment must become weapons qualified;
• must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License;
• minimum 21 years of age at time of employment; and,
• work on a rotating shift basis is required to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

• Bilingual English/Spanish desirable, but not required.

Equipment Used:

metal detector, typewriter, computer, teletype, copy machine, camera, portable radio, fire extinguisher, self contained breathing apparatus, handcuffs, pepper spray canisters and “less than lethal” devices, video/audio recorder, and (keyboarding);

Working Conditions:

Work is performed predominately indoors and includes long periods of both standing and sitting; Officers are exposed to inmates who may be verbally abusive and potentially physically violent; Officers may be required to use physical force on inmates/arrestees; Officers may come into contact with contagious diseases; Officers must be able to hear, speak, lift, sit, stand, walk, climb ladders and stairs, squat and kneel, bend, twist, turn, reach above head, and support up to 25 pounds.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, databases, data entry (keyboarding);

Working knowledge of criminal / court system;

Knowledge of defensive tactics;

Knowledge and use of personal protective equipment (respirators)

Knowledge of inventory and accountability systems;

Skills:

Ability to work in a lock down environment for up to 12 hours at a time;

Ability to learn and apply security regulations and inmate rules;

Control and direct inmates individually and in groups;

Recognize problems that should be brought to the attention of the supervisor;

Ability to follow oral and written instructions;

Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend the English language

Examination:

Qualified applicants will be required to pass a written examination. Only applicants passing the written examination with a 75% will be considered for the hiring list.

Preference points will be added to passing written scores prior to the hiring list being formed as follows:

• Current Washington State Corrections Certification 5 points
• College – 1 point per 45 credit hours up to a maximum of 5 points
• Fluently bilingual in language of our largest ethnic minority jail population 5 points
• Successful Military Service – 1 point per year up to a maximum of 5 points
• Three years as a certified full-time corrections officer within 3 years 5 points

Preference points will only be awarded to those individuals who provide documentation with their application.