Sergeant - Prison

Westmoreland-County; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional growth

Job summary

Westmoreland County is seeking a lead corrections officer to supervise officers, manage inmate movements, and uphold security within the facility.

The role requires strong leadership, communication, and adherence to procedures to maintain order and safety for inmates and staff. County benefits and opportunities for growth are highlighted in the description.

Qualifications

• High School or Equivalency required.
• 5 years of continuous experience as a correctional officer.

Responsibilities

• Stands watch concurrent with responsibility as a lead worker and performs any duty of corrections officer as necessary.
• Ensures continual surveillance of prison buildings, housing areas, grounds and activities.
• Monitors inmate movements while maintaining accurate population counts.
• Inspects assigned areas of prison building and grounds to ensure maximum security and cleanliness.
• Observes and reports changes in inmate behavior.
• Supervises and participates in prison shakedowns.
• Assists inmates in general problem solving and conflict resolution, or directs them to authorized assistance in accordance with established procedure.
• Provides training to corrections officers including, but not limited to, policy, procedure, recertification and defense tactics.
• Oversees and supervises correction officers of an assigned shift.
• Conveys and enforces rules, regulations, policies and provides corrective action and direction.
• Documents and reports violations and initiatives remedies for minor infractions.
• Communicates with the wardens on inmate classification regarding inmate housing assignments.

Education

High School or Equiv. in General Studies

Tools

Inmate restraints

Job description

To perform duties related to the care, custody, control and discipline of inmates and to function as a lead worker; to provide supervision, direction and assistance to the correctional officers.

A career with Westmoreland County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while serving one of Pennsylvania's most vibrant and growing communities.

County employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, a competitive retirement plan, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We are committed to supporting our workforce through programs and resources that promote both personal and professional success.

Westmoreland County fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment where dedication, integrity, innovation, and public service are valued and recognized. With diverse career opportunities across numerous departments and unions, employees can build rewarding careers while contributing to the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

Join a team that is committed to excellence in public service and dedicated to making a positive difference every day. Westmoreland County is proud to attract and retain talented professionals who are passionate about serving others and helping shape the future of our region.

Follow the link below to learn more about all that Westmoreland County has to offer:

https://www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/2377/You-Belong-Here

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

1. Stands watch concurrent with responsibility as a lead worker and performs any duty of corrections officer as necessary.


2. Ensures continual surveillance of prison buildings, housing areas, grounds and activities.


3. Monitors inmate movements while maintaining accurate population counts.


4. Inspects assigned areas of prison building and grounds to ensure maximum security and cleanliness.


5. Observes and reports changes in inmate behavior.


6. Supervises and participates in prison shakedowns.


7. Assists inmates in general problem solving and conflict resolution, or directs them to authorized assistance in accordance with established procedure.


8. Provides training to corrections officers including, but not limited to, policy, procedure, recertification and defense tactics.


9. Oversees and supervises correction officers of an assigned shift.


10. Conveys and enforces rules, regulations, policies and provides corrective action and direction.


11. Documents and reports violations and initiatives remedies for minor infractions.


12. Communicates with the wardens on inmate classification regarding inmate housing assignments.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Attends meetings, training and seminars as required.


2. Assists in transporting of inmates as needed.


3. Inventories and orders supplies as needed.


4. Performs other job related duties and assignments as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives occasional instruction and limited daily supervision from the Warden, Deputy Wardens and Lieutenants in regard to daily work duties.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

Function as a lead worker during assigned shift and supervises several unionized corrections officers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works primarily indoors with adequate space, lighting, ventilation and temperatures.


2. Works within average indoor exposures to dust and dirt.


3. Works within average exposures to noises and stress, subject to frequent disruption.


4. Subject to working shifts, on call, or as warranted.


5. Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and/or communicable diseases.


6. Works daily with volatile and potentially hostile inmates.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.


2. Must possess the ability to work safely while maintaining control and order in prison buildings and inmate housing areas.


3. Dexterity requirements include fine manipulation of fingers/hands; to coordinated movements of feet/legs/torso to maintain balance.


4. Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of up to 20 pounds.


5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stresses of the position.


6. Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday as needed to carry out essential job duties.


7. Must be able to stand for long periods of time throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of walking and sitting.


8. Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate in a moderately stressful environment.


9. Must demonstrate constant emotional stability.


10. Must be able to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a physical altercation or disturbance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. EDUCATION/TRAINING:
   High School or Equiv. in General Studies is required.


2. WORK EXPERIENCE:
   5 years of continuous experience as a correctional officer at a state or county facility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in a proficient manner in order to carry out essential job duties.


2. Must possess the ability to understand, explain and carry out complex oral and written instructions.


3. Must possess the ability to timely assess, accurately report, orally and in writing, routine and extraordinary events, emergencies and changes in inmate behaviors.


4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with the inmates, co-workers and others.


5. Must possess the ability to make solid decisions within prescribed limitations.


6. Must possess the ability to implement routine procedures, direct and carry out emergency procedures.


7. Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to inmate information and records.


8. Must possess the knowledge of County Prison Board policy and procedure.


9. Must possess the knowledge of correctional and institutional terms, prison configuration and spaces.


10. Must possess the knowledge of search and inspection techniques.


11. Must possess the ability to lead a team of correctional officers.


12. Must possess skill and safe handling in firearms, chemical agents and other weapons of trade.


13. Must possess skill in the use of inmate restraints and inmate transport equipment and devices.


14. Must possess the ability to establish effective work relationships with superiors, peers, subordinates, medical staff, social services, education, law enforcement professionals, inmates and their families, friends, and advocates, elected and appointed officials of Federal, State and Local governments and other interested parties.

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