PT Correctional Officer

Aitkin County; Aitkin (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Aitkin County is seeking a Corrections Officer to maintain jail security and supervise inmates according to policies and procedures. The role includes escorting inmates, processing bookings, and ensuring medical needs are met with proper documentation.

The position requires flexibility to work rotating shifts, ability to restrain inmates if necessary, and adherence to confidentiality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED; corrections experience is desirable but not required.
• Must have excellent verbal communication skills and be able to hear radio communications.
• Ability to work independently and remain calm and professional; may need to restrain inmates.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inmates to maintain jail safety and order; escort inmates; enforce rules and regulations.
• Perform prisoner bookings, fingerprinting, photos, medical info, and property inventories; manage inmate ledgers and fees.
• Provide daily inmate care, meals, medical referrals, and medication dispensing; may transport prisoners.
• Operate jail control center, intercoms, radios, doors, and security elevators; document calls and provide dispatch backup.
• Maintain jail and inmate documentation per data practices laws.
• May perform STS Crew Leader duties to meet court-ordered service obligations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Independent work

Calm under pressure

Physical restraint

Shift flexibility

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

County Payroll Software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Jail/Dispatch Software

Intercom / Security Systems

Job description

Job Summary

To maintain jail security by supervising inmates in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1. Maintains safety and security of the jail by supervising inmates, escorting inmates to and from cells, enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining order, conducting on-site inspections, disciplining rule violations, intervening in altercations and incidents, and preventing escapes.
2. Performs bookings of prisoners, including fingerprinting, taking photos, gathering booking sheet information, medical information and verification, property inventories, and storing of clothing and valuables. Maintains ledgers for inmates’ accounts, fees, fines, bail and insurance monies and issue receipts.
3. Provides daily care, including serving meals and ensuring that inmates’ medical needs are met by documenting medical requests and complaints, referring them to the proper medical facility and dispensing medications. May be assigned to transport prisoners of all security classifications.
4. Operates jail control center telephones, intercoms, two-way radios, doors and security elevators. Receives and documents all calls for public services or information. Provides back-up assistance in dispatch as needed.
5. Maintains proper documentation of all inmates and the jail in accordance with the MN Government Data Practices Act.
6. May be assigned to perform STS Crew Leader duties to meet the service obligations ordered by the court.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Prior training or experience in corrections is desirable, but not required. Must have excellent verbal communication skills, ability to hear normal range of radio and speech, and ability to visually observe persons and conditions. Must have ability to work independently, maintain a calm and professional manner at all times, and have the ability to physically restrain inmates if necessary. Must be able to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

Must pass a tuberculosis screening and receive a certificate in medication passing and Certificates of Training in CPR, First Aid, and AED within 6 months of hire.

When advertising for vacancies, Aitkin County will state whether a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) exists. For example, a BFOQ may exist related to gender for Correctional Officers to comply with DOC staffing regulations.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical and drug test will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Additional requirements for Transport Officer special assignment: Must have a minimum of 6 months work experience in the corrections field. Must have considerable knowledge of security procedures and techniques, departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Must have knowledge of self-defense techniques, restraint application, escape, radio communication and emergency procedures.

Additional requirements for STS Crew Leader special assignment: Must have a minimum of 3 years work experience in the corrections field. Prior experience coordinating STS crews is highly preferred including some knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, and prior experience using a variety of hand and power tools, supplies, and equipment, and considerable technical knowledge of construction, forestry, maintenance, grounds keeping, environmental cleanup and wildlife preservation. Must have knowledge of chainsaw safety and considerable experience in cutting firewood with a chainsaw. (The STS Crew cuts numerous cords of firewood per year for Long Lake Conservation Center, a county-owned conservation and environmental education center.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
2. Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position.
3. Self Defense, taser training, CPR/AED and first aid, and other job-related topics.

Skill in:

1. Computer and typing skills sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
2. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
3. Accurate record keeping and attention to detail; operations of complex communications equipment; computer operations; operation of intercom and security lock systems; operation of various office equipment.

Ability to:

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat others with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Manage time and workload effectively.
3. Maintain confidentiality.
4. Supervise the activities of inmates, analyze and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations; remain alert to security needs in the jail by performing pat searches, contraband inspections, and handcuffing of inmates for court appearances; follow orders as directed.

Language Skills

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Basic Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Skills

Intermediate Skills – Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:

County Payroll Software/E-time, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Jail or Dispatch Software, Internet, and other job-related software.

Ability to Travel

Occasional travel is required to attend trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Incumbent works in a secured facility, which has limited access to outside windows.

Equipment and Tools

Computer, telephone, radios, fax, copier, printer, calculator, shredder and other job-related tools and equipment, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must have the ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements needed to operate jail control console. Ability to exert mildly heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. Ability to exert sufficient physical force to restrain or subdue individuals. Ability to work under moderately comfortable and potentially dangerous conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as odors/smoke, toxic agents, violence, and disease may cause some discomfort and where there is a risk of injury and death.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

02/17/2016

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism