Corrections Officer- Lateral

Corrections Officer Position

The Corrections Officer position is responsible for the monitoring and supervision of inmates in the Grant County Correctional Facilities. The position is also responsible for the intake, booking, processing, housing, care and custody of inmates in the facility, and secure supervision of inmates during Grant County District and Superior Court hearings.

Distinguishing Characteristics :

Reports directly to the Corrections Sergeant and maintains a close working relationship with administrative and other personnel, public agencies and the general public. The position works under the guidance of State and Federal laws and regulations, County policies, and departmental regulations and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position. Employee must comply with all County and department policies, procedures, WAC's, or other regulatory bodies.

Review documents of arrest and commitment before accepting a new inmate into the facility. Observe incoming inmate to identify mental and / or physical condition.

Check each inmate at least hourly by physically viewing the inmate to assess life, safety and security.

Ensure that prisoners take prescribed medication as directed by the Medical Staff. Observe inmate to recognize symptoms of drug withdrawal and drug use.

Request examination of the physical condition and / or mental state of inmate by Medical personnel. Monitor mentally disturbed and suicidal inmates. Observe and log the behavior of inmates in disciplinary segregation.

Initiate and develop skills and strategies for solving problems within the facility including between staff, supervisors, inmates, outside agencies and other contacts.

Search inmates, property, housing and facility areas on a regular and documented basis. Search all incoming prisoners, prisoners returning from work assignments, school, furloughs, court, etc. Search vehicles, mail, property, visitors and all areas within the facility for contraband, safety and security issues, fire and life safety hazards.

Escort inmates to court, medical or outside appointments, armed or unarmed while maintaining the utmost officer safety as well and ensuring the safety of the inmates, courts, visitors, staff or public in attendance. Deliver court documents; prepare inmates for transport through the mini-chain system on valid warrants, transport orders or court orders.

Safely operate a variety of motor vehicles used for the transportation of inmates, and trailering of supplies or equipment.

Inspect incoming and outgoing mail and packages for contraband, intelligence information or other information which may compromise the safety and security of the facility, public, staff, inmates or visitors.

Handle the supervision of inmates while they are cleaning facilities, housing areas, during meal service, conducting work details or during any program or assignment.

Check the identity of inmates leaving the facility. Inspect documents prior to release or transfer of inmates. Release inmates by established procedures of bail, court order or other authority. Verify identity of officer picking up an inmate.

Report to the supervisor unusual and irregular incidents, hazardous situations, and imminent emergencies and security breaches.

Control access into and within the facility. Identify and inspect containers entering or leaving the facility.

Initiate investigations, write detailed reports, prepare for prosecution of criminal charges. Initiate and follow through on inmate disciplinary actions including verbal warnings, written warnings and infractions. Participate in hearings and disciplinary proceedings. Keep accurate and detailed reports, logs and files on incidents or situations.

Operate video, audio surveillance and radio equipment to monitor the facility and inmates, to record behavior to create information or add to investigative files. Operate radio, computer, camera, fire suppression, mechanical, fingerprinting, or other equipment at an expert level of proficiency. Use of these devices shall ensure the monitoring of inmates in a safe and secure environment.

Perform the safe and proficient use of firearms and less lethal weapons and equipment.

Perform all booking, intake, screening, fingerprinting, identification, property inventory, risk screening, medical acceptance screening and intake on new prisoners presented for booking.

Record information on new prisoners brought into the facility into the booking software on the computer.

Determine where prisoner will be housed based on objective classification, medical or mental health issues or other risk based assessments. House the prisoner according to the needs of the prisoner, housing availability and security classification.

Add information to the local criminal history file including state identification numbers, FBI number, identifying information, tattoos, scars and marks. Ensure the computer database contains a complete record, eliminate duplication of information and consolidate criminal history and identifying information.

Enforce facility policy and procedures in all facets of the job including inmates, operations, maintenance and response to incidents or situations.

Education, Experience, and Licensing :

1. Documentation & Record Keeping

2. Computer Literacy

3. Emergency Preparedness / Safety

4. Confidentiality & Ethics

5. Customer Service

6. Communication Skills

7. Interpersonal & Teamwork Skills

8. Knowledge of County Policies & Procedures

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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 the essential functions.

Required :

Must be 21 years of age

United States citizen

High school diploma or GED

Have no record of felony convictions and / or pattern of misdemeanors

Pass Civil Service written, physical and oral board exams

Ability to satisfactorily complete the Corrections Officers Academy within 6 months of employment.

Pass polygraph and psychological examinations.

Pass pre-employment drug screening test.

Have no use of illegal drugs within the past 5 years.

Valid Driver's License with proof of automobile insurance

Background Check : Must have an acceptable background record

Driving Abstract : Must have an acceptable driving record

Skills and Abilities :

• Customer service and interpersonal skills in dealing with inmates and the public.
• Good written and oral communication skills to prepare professional reports, train and provide clear instructions.
• Possess and develop modern supervision practices, motivational skills, and able to effectively delegate.
• Ability to multi-task daily activities and determine work priorities. Good organizational skills to maintain records.
• React with professionalism, leadership and control during stressful situations.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business.
• Initiative with problem-solving skills, while following standard practices, policies and procedures of the department.
• Perform all duties of the position in accordance with Policies and Procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements :

The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, write, hear, speak and lift up to 50 lbs. of unequal weight. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral, depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The majority of the work is performed within Grant County Corrections, two facilities. Persons in this position will be required to workday, swing, and graveyard shifts, which include weekends and holidays. Position will also be required to work in all types of weather conditions. May require work hours in excess of 12 hours per day. Subject to call-in or call-back. May require travel for inmate transportation, training purposes and commute to other departments or government agencies. Observe, abide by all county and department policies, goals and objectives. Must operate under rigorous rules and procedures. Exposed to the harsh and enclosed jail environment, inmates' erratic / inappropriate / violent attitudes, language and behaviors. Exposure to bodily secretions, chemicals, potential weapons, face-to-face interactions / confrontations with hostile or emotionally distraught inmates. Maintain the physical stamina and fitness to deal with the demands of a jail environment and the potential of physical violence. Be able to work well and complete duties under stress, and deadlines, while attending to multiple duties simultaneously. Tolerate prolonged computer related exposure. Ability to sit / stand at a workstation for long periods of time.

Other :

This is a union represented position.