Job Description

Corrections Officer - Entry Level and Lateral

Performs all activities in the receipt, booking, custody, transport and care of inmates under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assures the fair and reasonable treatment of inmates and the maintenance and operations of a safe, secure and sanitary corrections facility, placing a primary concern for the health, welfare, safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors. Positions in the Corrections Officer classification are distinguished by the responsibility for providing for the care and security of the inmates.

Essential Job Duties

1. Receives and processes incoming inmates. Searches inmates; collects, records and maintains prisoner's personal articles; reviews commitment orders, books, fingerprints, photographs and places prisoners in cells. Maintains security and safety of individuals being moved from one place to another.
2. Inputs and updates computer and manual files to complete incident, general, arrest, inmate and statistical reports to ensure legal requirements are met.
3. Escorts or assures custody of inmates in transit to court appearances, hospital or other medical facilities and/or other correctional institutions.
4. Coordinates inmate court appearances, control and distribution of necessary documents in the courtroom; calculates credit time for court sentencing as requested; verifies and updates court-related information on computer, such as final disposition, sentencing and release dates.
5. Operates control room; monitors electronic surveillance equipment and observes inmate, trustee and visitor movement, programs and activities within facility to control overall security of and access to the facility; conducts and records head counts.
6. Performs searches of inmates and facility for contraband.
7. Inspects facility for security and cleanliness to assure facility is maintained in accordance with established procedures; monitors a variety of gauges and alarm systems.
8. Selects trustees for special work assignments; assures safe custody of trustees when outside of cell block and supervises work performed.
9. Arranges for the release of inmates in accordance with established procedures. May assist in coordination of work release program, indoctrinating inmates into program, verifying places of employment, logging inmates in and out, and collecting and posting work release fees.
10. Prepares and submits written reports concerning inmate population and jail functions in accordance with established procedures.
11. Provides for inmate comfort and health by serving meals and dispensing medications as authorized; summons medical attention for inmates on an emergency basis and may provide basic first aid services; maintains prisoner medical records.
12. Performs or ensures distribution of commissary items purchased by prisoners such as candy, snacks, and toilet articles; records payment on voucher.
13. Instructs inmates on jail regulations and procedures; enforces rules and jail regulations according to standard operating procedures; participates in disciplinary proceedings and hearings as assigned.
14. Responds to inquiries, complaints or requests for information regarding area of assignment from inmates, other staff and the general public, providing information within scope of knowledge and authority, or refers to appropriate individual.
15. Additional Job Duties:
    1. Assures adequate inventory of supplies, forms and the like; re-orders and re-stocks as needed.
    2. Serves warrants; confirms and evaluates identification of person being served.
    3. May provide training and/or work direction to less experienced Corrections Officers as directed.
    4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of modern inmate care, custody and control and related aspects of law enforcement. Ability to read, learn, interpret and properly apply laws applicable to area of assignment. Acquire skill in the use and care of firearms and the conditions under which they may be employed in accordance with department regulations. Physically handle and control prisoner(s) resisting detention. Maintain composure and self-control under adverse conditions; e.g., prisoner harassment, ridicule, critical injuries, death. Hold self in readiness at all times to effectively respond to abnormal jail conditions and situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, probation officers, attorneys, courts, other outside agencies and the general public. Perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude and appearance that conform to strict policies, procedures and discipline. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Physically perform the essential functions of the job.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D.

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements

• As a condition of an employment, a candidate must have successful outcomes of a polygraph test, drug testing and completion of all examinations.
• Valid State Driver's License
• Must not have been convicted of a crime that is punishable by imprisonment in a state or federal prison or institution.
• Must not have any arrest record for use or sale of drugs of any nature.
• Shall possess good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• Work is performed primarily at the correctional facility. It is occasionally necessary to drive prisoners to other locations. Exposure to physical hazard and/or infectious or communicable diseases may occasionally occur when working with hostile persons with potential for violence. Strong physical effort may be required while restraining individuals within the facility. May involve the lifting or movement of objects or persons in excess of 50 pounds. It will be necessary to work varying shifts.

Benefits

Klickitat County offers a generous benefit package which includes: Vacation, sick and paid holiday leave along with medical, dental, vision and life and LTD insurance and substantial County contributions towards premiums and a retirement package through the Washington State Department of Retirement System. Additionally, employees are offered a flexible spending account, two Deferred Compensation programs, voluntary life and LTD insurance, AFLAC coverage and a variety of on-going training programs.

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