JOB INFORMATION

Join Frederick County Government staff for an all-inclusive Correctional Officer hiring event! On this day, May 15, 2024, applicants will have the opportunity to receive a free physical examination for acceptance to participate in the Sheriff's Office Physical Agility test for Correctional Officer - Recruits, interview with a team of Correctional Officers, and complete the required written examination. Successfully passing each step of the process will send you home with an instant conditional offer of employment!

To get started, complete the County's Employment Application Form by selecting the "Apply" link, and also pre-register for the May 15th hiring event by texting “APPLY” to 240-931-7211 or visit the following link- https://forms.office.com/g/gGwru3bVBi

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Non-exempt; full-time; 80 hours bi-weekly; all shifts as scheduled; full benefits
This uniformed, entry-level corrections position is responsible for maintaining security and discipline at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on any shift as assigned by the Assistant Bureau Chief or Bureau Chief. Duties are performed with close supervision from a Field Training Officer, Correctional Officer II or higher. Initial assignments are carried out in accordance with current policies and procedures with structured on-the-job training throughout an 18-month probationary period. The employee participates as a team member with other correctional personnel in maintaining a safe, secure and controlled environment.
Frederick County Government recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5years of service (effective 7/1/2024)
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain direct supervision, security and control over inmate population; enforce facility rules, regulations and disciplinary standards
• As needed, submit written reports of violations or irregularities to supervisory staff
• Maintain a system of regular and on-going counts of the inmate population; participate in routine searches and cell shakedowns to control contraband
• Conduct frequent security checks to ensure the safety and security of the inmate population as well as the overall condition of the facility
• Observe inmate activity and behavior patterns to detect and prevent disturbances, escape attempts and security violations
• Assist in physically controlling dangerous situations
• Escort inmates to and from in-house activities and remain present to enforce safety and security
• Process incarcerants into the facility according to standard procedures; prepare records of personal items and maintain responsibility for inmate property control
• Distribute sanitation supplies, deliver mail, and issue bedding and clothing to inmate population
• Communicate with the public on matters of visiting hours, inmate phone call periods, authorized articles for inmates and other inmate related information
• Communicate with attorneys, bondsmen, law enforcement agencies and the courts as necessary
• Operate radio equipment, electric security doors, monitor cameras and life safety systems; control access to restricted areas by security keys
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum age 18 years
• U.S.A. citizenship
• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
• Eligibility for certification by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) as a Correctional Officer and/or possession of this certification within 1 year of employment (current certification must be maintained)

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to maintain training requirements of FCSO and MPCTC
• Ability to learn and effectively apply appropriate skills and techniques to supervise inmates and enforce facility rules and regulations
• Ability to respond quickly, calmly and appropriately in standard duty and emergency situations, demonstrating good judgment in independent actions and referrals to higher authority
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmate population, co-workers and the general public, while maintaining professional attitude, appearance and manner of performance
• Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to write clear, complete and concise reports

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Current MPCTC Correctional Officer certification - portions of the examination process and/or academy may be waived for these candidates.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Sound physical condition in order to effectively respond to spontaneous physical demands of corrections duties (e.g. restraint and control of prisoners, searches, foot pursuit, etc.), with ability to meet and maintain compliance with FCSO physical fitness standards
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly walk, reach and perform repetitive motions; frequently sit, climb, stoop, lift up to 20 pounds and drive; occasionally lift between 20-50 pounds and push up to 40 pounds; and rarely crawl, lift over 50 pounds, push over 40 pounds and pull over 40 pounds
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors in a noisy environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases; frequently work outdoors, walking on uneven ground and wear protective equipment; and rarely work in a dirty and dusty environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Satisfactory background investigation
• Available for 24-hour call-in, shift work, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime

EXAMINATION PROCESS may include (candidate must successfully complete each step to proceed to the next):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) A written examination (waived if currently MPCTC certified)
3) Physical agility testing
4) An oral examination administered before a panel
5) One or more personal interviews
6) A pre-employment polygraph test (inquires include criminal, credit, drug use and personal history)
7) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test, to include testing for marijuana
8) A pre-employment psychological examination (written and oral)
NOTES:

• This position is subject to random drug testing, to include testing for marijuana
• A Correctional Officer becomes eligible for upgrade to Correctional Officer First Class upon successful completion of the 18-month probationary period
• Secondary employment will not be approved for FCSO personnel who have not successfully completed their probationary period
• During academy, Correctional Officers are eligible to earn college credits from Frederick Community College
• Candidates who must attend entrance-level academy or attend a comparative compliance school must enter into a 36-month reimbursement agreement
• Candidates who were previously rejected may reapply for consideration, however those declined for reasons that assure another rejection will not be reconsidered
• Completion of the examination/selection process can take 6-12 weeks. Candidates found eligible, but not immediately selected, may be contacted for subsequent placement within one year