Deputy Warden of Security

Chester County of Pennsylvania; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Chester County PA seeks a Deputy Warden of Security to oversee daily security operations, develop procedures, and manage inmate safety. This role serves as department head when the Warden is unavailable and requires coordination with outside agencies.

Minimum eight years in corrections or related fields, with four years in administrative roles. A strong ethics culture, leadership, and solid communication skills are essential, along with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight years of combined experience in corrections, security, military, or law enforcement.
• Four years of job-related administrative experience in corrections, security, military or law enforcement operations.
• Ability to complete and pass correctional officer training courses; must complete PA DOC Basic Training within 12 months and Supervisor Training within 18 months.
• Ability to pass PA State police PATCH, PA Department of Welfare Child Abuse Clearance, FBI fingerprint check, and qualify as a JNET Criminal Justice User.
• Ensure the Prison aligns with Criminal Justice System objectives and governing mandates.
• Knowledge of American Correctional Association’s Standards for Adult Correctional Facilities.
• Strong ethics, leadership, and integrity; ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong customer service experience or skills.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily security operations.
• Develop security procedures and monitor compliance.
• Manage security, safety and sanitation of the institution.
• Maintain yearly security budget and develop following year’s budget.
• Maintain and develop professional expertise.
• Document and report institutional activities.
• Recruit, train and maintain adequate staffing.
• Assume responsibility for the management of the entire jail in conjunction with the other Deputy Wardens, in the absence of the Warden.
• Provide inmates with custody and safety needs.
• Maintain community relations and develop rapport with outside agencies and environment.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Skills

Ethics & integrity

Leadership

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization & time management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft PowerPoint

Chester County Court Management system

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Job description

The Deputy Warden of Security is responsible for the supervision and overall management of the Security Department. This position also serves as the department head in the Warden's absence.

Criminal background check is required.

Brochure about the position: https://www.governmentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Chester-County-PA-Deputy-Warden-of-Security-Brochure.pdf

• Manage daily security operations.
• Develop security procedures and monitor compliance.
• Manage security, safety and sanitation of the institution.
• Maintain yearly security budget and develop following year’s budget.
• Maintain and develop professional expertise.
• Document and report institutional activities.
• Recruit, train and maintain adequate staffing.
• Assumes responsibility for the management of the entire jail in conjunction with the other Deputy Wardens, in the absence of the Warden.
• Provide inmates with custody and safety needs.
• Maintain community relations and develop rapport with outside agencies and environment.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least eight years of combined experience in corrections, security, military, or law enforcement.
• Four years of job-related administrative experience in corrections, security, military or law enforcement operations,
• Ability to complete and pass correctional officer training courses as assigned by the Warden. Must complete Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Basic Training within Twelve months and Supervisor Training within eighteen months.
• Ability to pass PA State police PATCH, PA Department of Welfare Child Abuse Clearance, FBI fingerprint check, and qualify as a JNET Criminal Justice User.
• Ensure the Prison is closely aligned with the Criminal Justice System in meeting the objectives of the Court related agencies.
• Ensure the inmate population is housed and supervised as directed and governed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as per Title 37 in addition to all other applicable Federal (e.g., ACA), State and Local mandates.
• Working knowledge of the American Correctional Association’s Standards for Adult Correctional Facilities.
• Ability to identify symptoms of stress-related job performance deficiencies in others and take appropriate action.
• Basic understanding of Pennsylvania crimes code and vehicle law.
• Strong professional ethics, leadership skills, and demonstrated integrity and honesty.
• Ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong customer service experience or skills.
• Ability to treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position..
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement

• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice or related field.

• Ten years of experience in correctional administration, law enforcement, military or security.
• Certified in Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Basic Training, Supervisor Training, and other advanced certifications, corrections, law enforcement, military, corporate security, etc.

• Experience with K-9 operations.
• Experience with FAA regulations.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

• Basic Word skills
• Intermediate Excel skills
• Intermediate Access skills
• Basic PowerPoint skills
• Knowledge of the Chester County Court Management system
• Microsoft Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Microsoft Internet Explorer skills

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Occasionally, employee will be required to stand, walk, reach above shoulders, climb stairs, and drive a vehicle to and from different locations. On rare occasions, the employee is required to stoop, kneel or crouch; and lift or carry items

The specific vision requirements for this position are:

• Close/distance vision
• Color vision
• Peripheral vision
• Depth perception

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• This is a high stress job, primarily due to working with a high-risk population (e.g., infectious, violent, and mentally disturbed inmates).
• Possible exposure to unknown contagious diseases.
• Hazardous conditions include noise and confinement.

• Other:
• This is a high-profile position subject to public and political scrutiny.
• This position requires rotation “Duty Officer” responsibility, on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Required to perform functions as a Department Head when the Warden is not available.
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• This position requires professionalism.