Jail Corrections Officer

Spokane, County of (WA); Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County seeks a Corrections Officer to supervise inmates in a 24/7 facility, ensuring safety, discipline, and policy compliance under a sergeant’s supervision.

The role requires prompt action in emergencies, adherence to facility rules, and the ability to maintain security and inmate well-being in a challenging environment.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED certificate.
• Background check including polygraph, psychological, and medical evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Receives referrals to Juvenile Court for petitions or information.
• Performs custody duties including pat and strip-searching inmates and monitoring work assignments.
• Inspects inmate quarters for contraband.
• Conducts urinalysis and/or breath analysis tests.
• Conducts counts and security checks.
• Assists medical staff and provides first aid as necessary.
• Transports inmates to court, medical, and dental appointments.
• Serves warrants, subpoenas and other legal papers.
• Oversees food service, cleaning and hygiene.
• May assist in fingerprinting and photographing inmates.
• Testifies in court or hearings when required.
• Follows release procedures and manages work release sign-out.
• Handles booking and identification of inmates.
• Operates security doors for releases.
• Maintains custody and writes routine records.
• Observes behavior changes and reports incidents.
• Performs other related work as required.

Skills

De-escalation techniques

Oral and written communication

Defensive tactics

Firearms safety

Emergency response

Crisis management

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

This recruitment may be used to fill both current and future vacancies. You are not eligible to re-apply for one year after being declined by Detention Services. To be hired as a lateral entry officer, applicants must hold current certification as a corrections officer and have at least two years of service assigned to a corrections facility.

TESTING DATES AND PROCESS

Applicants must complete a written exam and a Physical Ability Test (PAT). These are conducted through Public Safety Testing (PST). Applicants can register for testing at https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/ and select to have their scores sent directly to our agency. We will only accept scores from PST and will not be able to move any applicants forward in the hiring process until scores are received.

Applicants will also need to be sure the Personal History Statement is complete on their PST profile.

The Detention - Corrections Officer selection process will include:

• Written Test – conducted through PST*
• Physical Ability Test – conducted through PST*
• Detailed Personal History Statement – submitted through PST
• Oral Board
• Integrity Interview
• Background Investigation

*Only required for Entry Level Correction Officer

If you have questions regarding the selection process as described above, please contact Erin at 509-477-6670. More information on how to prepare for the PAT is available here: The Physical Ability Test (PAT) | Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

Job Summary:

Please note: This position entails working in a 24-hour/seven day-a-week operation; this includes working day/night shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime, as required.

The position allocated to this class is responsible for supervising the activities of inmates at a minimum and/or a maximum Correctional Facility under the supervision of a Sergeant. Work includes the necessity for prompt action in emergencies and awareness of and compliance with correctional policies at the facility. Incumbents are charged with maintaining the security of the Correctional Facility, and the safety, discipline, and well-being of the inmates. Work is performed with some latitude for independent judgment and action is reviewed by a superior through reports, meetings, and the results obtained.

Job Description:

• Receives and examines referrals to the Juvenile Court for the purpose of considering the filing of a petition or information pursuant to RCW chapter 13.32A, 13.34, or 13.40.070.
• Performs custody duties which includes.
• Pat and strip-searching inmates, monitoring inmate work assignments
• Inspecting inmate quarters in facility buildings to detect contraband.
• Conducting urinalysis and/or breath analysis tests
• Conducting counts and security checks.
• Assisting medical staff in caring for the health of inmates and/or rendering first aid as necessary.
• Prepares and transports inmates to court, medical and/or dental appointments, hospital transport, guard duty and agency transport.
• Serves warrants, subpoenas, writs and other legal papers.
• Oversees food service, routine cleaning and the personal hygiene of inmates.
• May be required to assist in fingerprinting and photographing individuals.
• Testifies in court or hearings, as required.
• Follows facility temporary release procedures including punching time clocks and ensuring that inmates assigned to work release sign out; and, follows facility re-entry procedures including identifying persons, unlocking security doors, punching time clocks, and allowing work release inmates to secure property.
• Follows facility release procedures including booking in and out, positive identification of inmates, reviews release paperwork and returns personal belongings to that inmate with proper documentation when they are released through established procedures of bail, court order, or as directed by an appropriate authority.
• Operates the security doors that facilitate the release.
• Follows facility booking procedures including identifying persons, receiving, searching and booking incoming inmates, unlocking security doors, ensuring intake paperwork is correctly completed and issuing the proper supplies and storing personal effects according to established policy and procedure.
• Answers inmates' questions regarding the facilities rules, regulations, and policies and procedures.
• Maintains custody and control of inmates by enforcing facility rules and maintains safety and discipline according to established regulations and policies and procedures.
• Supervises resident living areas, and ensures that cleaning procedures and activities are being followed.
• Supervises inmates during meals, visiting, and outings in the community.
• Checks court orders for release and/or detention of inmates.
• Maintains and writes routine records and reports.
• Observes significant behavior changes and/or problems in inmates and reports such incidents to the appropriate staff.
• Performs other related work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School graduate or GED certificate
• Prior work experience is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Applicants selected must successfully pass a criminal background check which includes a polygraph examination, a psychological evaluation and a medical evaluation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) exam as part of the hiring process. Which includes: fifteen (15) situ-ups, twelve (12) push-ups and twenty-five (25) squat thrusts.
• Selected Applicants will be required to successfully complete the ten (10) week Washing State Criminal Justice Training Commission Corrections Officers Academy within the first six (6) months after appointment.

PLEASE NOTE:

Background inquiries shall be completed prior to appointment to positions.

The background investigation will include:

• A polygraph examination,
• A psychological evaluation and
• A medical evaluation.
• Permanent U.S. resident, able to read and write the English language.
• Must be free of any physical, emotional, or mental conditions which might adversely affect performance as an Officer as determined by a medical and psychological exam.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic requirements for effective supervision of people under adverse circumstances.
• Knowledge of dealing with people regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic or ethnic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of report writing techniques.
• Skilled in basic computer use and data entry.
• Skilled in oral and written communication skills
• Skilled in understanding, interpreting and applying complex statutes, court regulations and rules.
• Skilled in de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to read, comprehend and enforce facility rules and regulations.
• Ability to handle emergency situations in an efficient and calm manner, acting quickly and effectively.
• Ability to maintain records and reports, communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to intervene in crisis or violent situations and use force to restore order or calm inmates in potentially hostile situations.
• Ability to maintain effective supervisory relationships with inmates in custodial care and on work details.
• Ability to qualify in defensive tactics and hostage survival, CPR and basic first aid.
• Ability to handle firearms safely and fire them accurately.
• Ability to control of own temper to remain in charge of situations.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals and groups from a variety of social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• Ability to convey a professional image via attire and demeanor.
• Ability to consistently make effective decisions.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, community and social agencies, and the general public.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.

Total Compensation:

$82,960 - $123,642 Annually

Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.