Correctional Officer

Salary : $59,508.80 - $83,366.40 Annually

Location : Mankato, MN

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2025-00028

Department : Sheriff's Office

Division : Jail

Opening Date : 04 / 16 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 16 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

DESCRIPTION

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Jail Administrator, supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office by providing quality services that promote and protect the safety, security, and well-being of all the people in our community. The Correctional Officer is responsible for the professional administration and enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws as well as the provision of other law enforcement services to the public. The Correctional Officer works in a 24 / 7 direct supervision facility and is responsible for maintaining a secure jail facility, ensuring the safety and welfare of the inmates, performing jail bookings and releases, and organizing and supervising inmate activity. This position is also responsible for assuring preparation and service of medications, meals, collecting financial transactions, providing public relations information, and maintaining administration and facility records.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Maintains a secure jail facility. Performs various inspections to identify any safety or mechanical issues within the jail. Conduct searches on inmates, living areas, cells and visitors to detect contraband in accordance with jail policy and procedures. Monitors audio and video systems to ensure secure inmate movement and proper identification and clearance of persons requesting entry into the facility.
• Supervise inmates by enforcing jail rules and carry out procedures as defined by state and Sheriff's Office policies which may include; interacting with and supervising inmates in their daily activities, maintaining order, monitoring behavior, responding to and attempting to resolve inmate concerns / conflicts, responding to emergencies, monitoring inmates' communications, such as mail and phone calls, maintaining necessary logs and reports, and performing housekeeping and sanitation practices as necessary to ensure a safe facility.
• Assess arrestees' physical and mental appropriateness for jail confinement and determines housing classification and assignments. Assist in the medical care of inmates to include response to medical emergencies, medication verifications and medication distribution.
• Booking and releasing inmates by performing booking functions of new inmates to include body scanning, photographing, fingerprinting and searches. Interpret Court Orders and perform release functions in accordance with lawful orders and policy, to include victim notifications, outstanding warrant checks, property return and completion of all release documents.
• Maintain inmate records by entering inmate data into computer files and submits to proper agencies, maintains detailed record of all inmate activity, account purchases and deposits, medical needs, reports, and other documents to ensure that the inmate files are accurate.
• Responds to emergencies situations utilizing necessary emergency equipment to ensure safety of inmates and staff. Acts in the event of emergencies responding appropriately or as directed. Subdues inmate during altercations or escapes, defends self and other. Acts swiftly to minimize damage to property, equipment or the facility. Intervenes safely to prevent or stop inmate self-harm or suicidal behavior.
• Assures preparation and service of inmate meals. Documents and notifies appropriate personnel of any tray refusals, hunger strikes, and special diets identified at booking.
• Collects, verifies, and records financial transactions. Maintains and records all deposits and withdrawals from inmate accounts. Collects, verifies and records bail money as ordered by the Courts.
• Provides public relations and services. Conducts fingerprints of the general public, including the collection of fees. Provides public with assistance and inmate information. Conducts tours of the facility.
• Aides in the training of new Correctional Officers.
• Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
• Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
• Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS :

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

HOURS OF WORK

Involves a combination of 12-hour and 8-hour shifts, which under normal condition results in an 80-hour two week pay period. Full Time Correctional Officers bid for shifts by seniority. Day shifts are from 0500-1700 or night shifts are from 1700-0500. Regular hours will include every other weekend. Overtime and holiday hours may be required.

Two-week schedule example (one day assigned as 8-hour shift) :

Benefits Overview

MPA - Correctional Officer

The County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package. The County's benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings. Benefits begin upon date of hire.

The following outlines County offered total compensation benefits. This document provides an overview and does not offer all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents and / or collective bargaining agreements, the plan documents will prevail.

Regular, Full-Time Employee

Wage / Salary Scale

Blue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.

Shift Differential

A $1.25 per hour shift differential will be provided for all hours worked between 5 : 00 pm. and 5 : 00 am. and 5 : 00 am. and 5 : 00 pm. on Saturday and Sunday.

Vacation Leave

Vacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and / or the employee handbook. An additional eight hours shall be paid in lieu of Christmas Eve.

Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate

0 - 1 year - 3.23 hours

2 - 5 years - 3.85 hours

6 - 9 years - 4.77 hours

10 - 13 years - 5.69 hours

14 - 18 years - 6.62 hours

19 + years - 7.54 hours

Sick Leave

Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of eight (8) hours for each full month of service.

Paid Holidays

Blue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays in lieu of holidays.

Health Insurance

Employees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) - Effective : July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Plan 1 : CMM $0 Deductible

Employee : Single - $137.19 / Family - $1,209.49 Employer : Single - $1,234.66 / Family - $2,822.16

Total Cost : Single - $1,371.85 / Family - $4,031.65

Plan 2 : CMM $300 Deductible

Employee : Single - $1.04 / Family - $809.38 Employer : Single - $1,234.66 / Family - $2,882.16

Total Cost : Single - $1,235.70 / Family - $3,631.54

Plan 3 : HDHP with HSA

Employee : Single - $0.00 / Family - $425.39 Employer : Single - $965.00 / Family - $2,410.57

Total Cost : Single - $965.00 / Family - $2,835.96

Blue Earth County contributes to a health savings account (HSA) when the employee elects the HDHP. Single coverage HSA contributions equal $1,650, and family coverage HSA contributions equal $3,300.

Life Insurance

Employees are provided with Term-Life Insurance at no cost to them :

Retirement

The County and the employee contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) based on a percentage of the employee wage :

Correctional Plan

Employee : 6.83%

Employer : 10.25%

Voluntary Benefits Available

01

The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

02

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

03

Which of the following best describes the degree that you completed?

04

Please list the specific degree that you completed.

05

Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience in a correctional setting such as a prison, jail, detention center, security hospital, or detox center?

06

Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience overseeing the security of people and their well-being?

07

Please select the languages you are fluent in understanding and speaking.

08

Which of the following areas have you received training or a certificate in? (Please select all that apply.)

09

Please list training certification dates for the above trainings indicated.

10

Why do you want this position with Blue Earth County?

11

Describe how your background and experience align with the duties and responsibilities of this position.

12

OTHER QUALIFICIATIONS : Describe any other special training you've completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position.

13

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT : Blue Earth County conducts a background check for a position within the Sheriff's Department. If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to : verification of employment and education records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

14

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license with the ability to drive in the State of Minnesota?

Required Question